Meeting Public Comments

Edward Hee

Honorable Members of the State Government Subcommittee: I wish to offer the following comments on the proposed legislation SF354. It seems the biggest problematic factor underlying the proposed transaction is expense. Assuming that all necessary agreements can be made, the State of Minnesota would likely ask fair market price for any unimproved state owned land, as well as fair market value for all statefunded structures that would be transferred to Iowa. Also, Iowa would likely have to bear the potential cost of bringing any existing structures in the counties named in the Bill up to standards in various applicable codes in Iowa, should they not meet our standards at time of transfer. These, as well as other possible costs for necessary legal actions such as survey verification of boundaries, etc, will likely run into multiple millions of dollars. It strikes me that our current financial state as we are is adequate, but taking on the financial burden of completing this transaction plus all future expenses that will be incurred to maintain what we acquire may put the State in a position of distressing financial burden. It would be prudent also to determine whether taking on these new territories would be a net gain or loss monetarily for us through anticipated tax revenues these counties may or may not generate. The process of study and negotiation could potentially take years of expense to satisfy these realistic and valid concerns. The Bill as currently written does not appear to address this aspect of the process, the likelihood of its near term success, or even the necessity of the acquisition taking place. With concerns in mind, I would ask the Subcommittee not to pass the Bill out. There are just too many unanswered questions and potential unforeseen pitfalls to make it worthwhile. Thank you for considering these remarks.

Christine Hayek

SF354 is totally asinine and should be voted down! Iowa does not need to be a part of Minnesota. Let Minnesota remain intact and likewise for Iowa. This is a worthless bill and a wasted time of taxpayers' money.

jean granger [none]

SF354It is not in the job description for any of the three of you to restructure the physical map of the U S . The people of Iowa don't want this; the people of Minnesota don't want this So what's your point? I suggest you are trying to beat funnel week. I further suggest since the southern leg of Summit's pipeline in Minnesota has not gotten their permit that you think you can grandfather it in thru Iowa's permit. Well. that's so not gonna fly! But, with a directive straight from the Governor, it might not just be as far fetched as I think. Mr Rastetter has lost alot of time and money and it's crunch time to pull out all the stops anything to get this pipeline rammed thru and tax payer dollars rolling in his pockets. Which is more absolutely INSANE buy 9 counties from Minnesota to do what? ORbury an unsafe, toxic, obsolete pipe and tear up prime land while you're at it? Either way not a hard decision So make it already! Your voting constituents go thumbs down on both!!! jkg