Roberds Lake in Faribault will finally receive badly-needed cleanup assistance thanks to a provision included in the final state budget agreement legislators and Gov. Walz negotiated this weekend.

The Roberds Lake provision was championed by State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault). It authorizes $100,000 to offset local fundraising efforts and assist with clean up from last September’s devastating storms, which cast trees, branches, roofing materials, siding, dock parts and more into and around the lake.

“I have said all session that one of my top local priorities is getting Roberds Lake cleaned up as quickly as possible,” said Sen. Jasinski. “The lake is a popular summer playground, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the lake safely.”

The Roberds Lake Association is also working with officials in Rice County, and the Department of Natural Resources, and the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, to secure local funding and volunteer resources to help with the cleanup.

The legislation is included in the environment budget bill that will be taken up when the governor convenes a special legislative session, likely later this week.