 On Tuesday, Governor Walz signed an executive order to protect Minnesota’s cherished Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from nonferrous mineral mining. The Governor’s order directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to stop all permitting and environmental review work on nonferrous mineral mining projects in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed (RRHW). This order also directs DNR to not issue any new leases or permits for nonferrous mineral mining projects in the RRHW and to immediately review all existing nonferrous mineral leases in the RRHW to ensure that the BWCAW is protected for generations to come.
“The Boundary Waters is a national treasure and home to some of Minnesota’s most pristine waters and wilderness,” said Governor Walz. “This place is deeply personal to me, to Minnesotans, and to people across the country who have paddled these waters. I am using my full executive authority to protect the waters and wildlife of the Boundary Waters and to ensure the outfitters, small businesses, and communities that depend on it continue to thrive for generations to come. It’s our duty as Minnesotans to ensure the sacred place remains wild, pristine, and unharmed.”
This action follows Congress’s vote to overturn a 20-year federal shield against mining in the BWCAW, opening the door to renewed nonferrous mineral mining proposals, including copper and nickel. Those proposals threaten the region’s wilderness, water, and nearly $1 billion outdoor recreation economy.F
Following his signing of Executive Order 26-10, Governor Walz spent the day in Ely visiting the Ely Folk School and Camp Widjiwagan. The Governor was joined by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, students, community leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts.
“Protecting the BWCAW isn’t just about protecting a beautiful place; it’s about protecting the communities, businesses, traditions, and way of life that have been built around it for generations,” said Governor Walz. “The people of Ely have been some of the strongest voices for the Boundary Waters, and today I’m proud to be here with them to celebrate our work to make sure this incredible place is here for our kids and grandkids.”
 On Wednesday, Governor Walz met with small businesses from the Twin Cities Metro area at Midtown Global Market and heard about the lasting impacts of Operation Metro Surge. The Governor discussed ongoing efforts to support recovery for affected businesses.
The Governor stopped at market vendors and participated in the final of five “Choose Minnesota” roundtables hosted by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The roundtable included DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek, Indígena by Owamni owner Sean Sherman, Wrecktangle owner Breanna Evans, Manny’s Tortas owner Manuel Gonzales, and author, comedian, and radio host Sheletta Brundidge.
“Operation Metro Surge's impact on small businesses, workers, and local business districts is still being felt,” said Governor Tim Walz. “The federal surge in Minnesota and the continued uncertainty it creates for many community members and businesses has led to lasting financial and emotional challenges. That is why we remain committed to supporting local businesses, encouraging Minnesotans to shop local, and continuing conversations through the Council on Recording the Truth of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS to uplift impacted business owners and communities.”
In partnership with DEED, following Operation Metro Surge, the Governor declared February Shop Local Month and launched the “Shop Local, Stand Together” campaign to encourage Minnesotans to support local businesses that saw reduced foot traffic during the federal presence in Minnesota. The Governor also proposed a $10 million relief package for small businesses impacted by the operation, which would have provided one-time funding in forgivable loans ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. The Governor also established the Governor’s Council to Document the Impacts to document the harms and impacts of Operation Metro Surge and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
The Walz-Flanagan administration has helped support more than 35,000 new businesses, nearly 30 percent wage growth, and record job creation, helping Minnesota rank as the third best state for jobs. Together, these efforts reflect an administration-wide commitment to strengthening Minnesota’s business community and supporting growth across the state.
Governor Walz announced the authorization of emergency assistance for areas of Becker, Crow Wing, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, and Winona Counties that suffered damage caused by severe storms, flash flooding, and tornadoes in late June and early July.
“The severe storms and floods that swept across southern Minnesota earlier this summer inflicted irreparable damage and loss,” said Governor Walz. “I am thankful for Minnesota’s emergency management team for working swiftly and closely with the affected communities to assess damage and assist them as they rebuild and recover from these devastating storms.”
Areas of Becker, Crow Wing, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, and Winona Counties are receiving emergency assistance for significant damage caused by severe storms, flash flooding, and tornadoes between June 28 and July 8. Funding and public assistance will aid in rebuilding critical public infrastructure damaged by these storms and flooding in these areas. The total assistance will be determined once all damage assessments are complete.
|
