On Tuesday, April 10, Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) presented SF 3705 before the Senate’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance. The legislation grants the Red River Basin Commission legitimacy and authority, recognizing the efforts of a dedicated group of individuals who have coordinated with counties, state agencies, and the watershed district boards in Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Manitoba to deal with water quality and flooding issues.

“While the Red River Basin Commission has been around for nearly 30 years in one form or another, its role and legitimacy is not recognized by the state,” said Senator Mark Johnson, Vice-Chair of the Senate’s Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy Committee. “For an organization that interacts with stakeholders across the region and international borders, the lack of recognition by the state can limit the Commission’s effectiveness. This legislation recognizes the Commission’s authority to better serve the residents of my district, eastern North Dakota, and southern Manitoba.”

The legislation has received bipartisan support from members and was laid over by the committee for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.