Urban development generic environmental impact statement

The 1999 Minnesota Legislature directed the Environmental Quality Board to examine the long-term effects of urban development — past, present, and future — on the economy, environment and way of life of the residents of the state. A steering committee of citizens advised the EQB on which issues to include in the study and the extent to which each issue should be addressed. The board adopted the final scoping document at its December 2000 meeting, but has taken no further steps to develop the GEIS, given the lack of funding for the project. 

• Frequently Asked Questions:  More information on the Urban Development GEIS, the GEIS scoping process and scoping document and what the GEIS is supposed to accomplish. 
• Final Scoping Document: Review the proposed topics and questions of the GEIS. 
• Urban Development GEIS Steering Committee:  See who advised the EQB on the project.
• Legislative mandate: See what the Legislature asked the EQB to do.

Steering committee meeting notes

• December 1999
• January 2000
• February 2000
• March 2000
• April 2000
• May 2000
• June 2000

Technical committee members

Leo Raudys, Pollution Control Agency 
Susan Medhaug, Department of Commerce
Paul Smith, Office of Environmental Assistance
Bob Patton, Department of Agriculture 
Gerry Larson, Department of Transportation 
Dave Zumeta, Department of Natural Resources 
Robert Einweck, Department of Health
Bob Mazanec, Metropolitan Council

Public Meetings

Duluth Area
October 18, 2000, Hermantown Department of Public Safety Training Center, 5111 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown. In conjunction with a meeting of the Duluth/Superior Metropolitan Interstate Committee

Brainerd Lakes Area
October 24, 2000, Brainerd Central Lakes College Cafeteria. Hosted by Brainerd Daily Dispatch

St. Cloud
October 26, 2000, Waite Park City Hall. In conjunction with a meeting of the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization Policy Board

Rochester
October 30, 2000, Olmsted County Government Center, 151 4th Street SE, Rochester. In conjunction with a meeting of the Rochester Olmsted Council of Governments

Twin Cities Area
November 2, 2000, Commodore Club, 79 Western Avenue, St. Paul. Hosted by the Citizens League

Mankato
November 2, 2000, Minnesota River Room, 10 Civic Center Plaza. Hosted by the Minnesota Valley Council of Governments

Environmental Quality Board, 658 Cedar St., Suite 300, St. Paul, MN 55155