Dayton to Lawmakers: Decide Soon on Aid to Mille Lacs Lake

ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says lawmakers need to decide whether they'll hold a special session to aid Mille Lacs Lake area businesses.

A working group of lawmakers was meeting for a third time Thursday. The group is weighing how best to help resorts around Mille Lacs struggling after the state closed walleye fishing season early this month.

It's up to Dayton to call the Legislature back to St. Paul but lawmakers set the agenda.  Many legislators have been wary of a special session, saying re-opening fishing season is a better bet.

Dayton says they need to make a call soon to provide certainty to business owners around the central Minnesota lake. He wants to call a special session next week.

The governor's administration says zero-interest loans and other funds could help.