09-24-2024 Resolution 12246RESOLUTION NO. 12246
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO
REAUTHORIZE THE DEDICATION OF STATE LOTTERY PROCEEDS TO THE
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Richfield is the official governing body
of the City of Richfield, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Minnesota State Legislature voted to include the
following question on the November 5th, 2024 general election ballot, “Shall the
Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water
quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas;
improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of
proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust
fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?”; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota has benefited greatly from the Environment and Natural
Resources Trust Fund, which, since being approved by voters in 1991, has provided over
$1 billion to more than 1,700 projects around the state “for the public purpose of
protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land,
fish, wildlife, and other natural resources”; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield acknowledges that the Environment and Natural
Resources Trust Fund has been a crucial investment that has protected ecosystems,
aided local communities, promoted outdoor recreation, improved health outcomes,
pursued environmental equity, bolstered agricultural resiliency, and supported strong
businesses and good-paying jobs across the state; and
WHEREAS, several cities and organizations have benefited from the Environment
and Natural Resources Trust Fund by securing money to help with projects like shoreland
restoration, environmental education, natural resources management, and more ; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Richfield, Minnesota that this body supports the constitutional amendment to
reauthorize the dedication of state lottery proceeds to the Environment and Natural
Resources Trust Fund and urges Minnesotans to vote “YES” on election day - Tuesday,
November 5th, 2024.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 24th day of
September, 2024.
Mary Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk