Dayton Wants Water Summit to Focus on Solutions Not Blame

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton is asking the 800 people who'll attend his Governor's Water Summit on Saturday to be ready to talk about solutions instead of blame for the problems facing Minnesota's lakes, rivers and drinking water.

Dayton has picked nine broad topics the summit will address. They range from how best to use clean water funds from the state's Legacy Amendment before they expire in 2034, to reducing pollutants in storm runoff in the urban environment, to protecting water in the rural environment while allowing agriculture and businesses to thrive.

The gathering will bring together water quality experts, farmers, lawmakers, regulators, the business community, local leaders and other concerned citizens.

Interest in the summit has been high. Registration filled up within 36 hours of when it opened last month.