Rockville Senator Receives Award from Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud-area state senator received an award last week from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

GOP Sen. Jeff Howe of Rockville was recognized with the Legislator of Distinction Award for his impact on Minnesota’s transportation policy. The coalition describes Howe as a “leading advocate for finding ways to help small cities repair and replace their deteriorating streets.”

The lawmaker did secure $18 million in state funding that will be put toward small-city streets in 2022, however, Howe’s long-term funding bill for small city street improvements introduced in the Minnesota Senate this year was not passed into law.

“Sen. Howe is the leading voice in the Senate when it comes to calling for dedicated state funding for street improvements,” said Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka, who is also president of the CGMC. “Without funding from the state, smaller communities often struggle to pay for street maintenance and repairs. Sen. Howe understands the plight of these communities and looks for creative ways to meet their needs.”

St. Cloud DFL Rep. Dan Wolgamott also received a Legislator of Distinction Award for his contributions to economic development in Greater Minnesota, and Zylka was given the CGMC’s President’s Award.

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