Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) was recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) with the Minnesota Legacy Award on July 28 during the Coalition’s three-day summer conference in Red Wing. This award is given, upon retirement, to legislators who had a particularly positive impact on Greater Minnesota cities during their legislative careers.

Sen. Ruud, a Republican from Breezy Point, will conclude her tenure in the Legislature this year after serving 14 years in the Minnesota State Senate. As chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee, she was a powerful voice on CGMC environmental issues, such as chloride regulations, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) monitoring, and wastewater permitting. As chair of the Senate Legacy Committee, she championed smart policies and authored a bill that provided fair and permanent funding for local parks and trails grant programs in Greater Minnesota.

“Throughout her career, Sen. Ruud has been an inspiring advocate for Greater Minnesota and the environment,” said Pat Baustian, mayor of Luverne and president of the CGMC. “We are very grateful to have had such a dedicated, hardworking, and passionate voice for environmental issues at the Legislature.”

“I’m honored to be receiving the Minnesota Legacy Award as I near the end of my time in the Senate,” said Sen. Ruud. “Throughout my time in office, I have enjoyed working with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on several important issues such as chloride and PFAS regulations, wastewater permitting, and creating permanent funding for local parks and trails grant programs. Though this year marks the end of my tenure in the senate, I look forward to continuing these partnerships in different capacities.”

CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing over 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.