HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-033 CITY OF LAKEVILLE
RESOLUTION
DATE: February 17, .2004 RESOLUTION NO.: 04-33
MOTION BY: xieb SECONDED BY: Wulff
Reso/ution Supporting State Financia/Assistance for the Minnesota Zoo
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, first opened in .1978 and has
now been in existence for over 25 years; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Zoo is an important state asset in that it attracts
approximately one million visitors per year, and has an annual economic impact on the State in
excess of $60 million; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Zoo is -facing significant financial pressures that have
required the permanent and/or seasonal closure of various zoo exhibits; and
WHEREAS,. the Minnesota .Zoo currently has a backlog of infrastructure refurbishment
and repair needs in excess of $30 million; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Zoo has requested state financial assistance to -add new
exhibits and to address the Zoo's severe deferred maintenance needs; and
WHEREAS, the Lakeville City Council believes that it is in the best interests of the
citizens of Dakota County, and the State of Minnesota that the Minnesota Zoo be provided with
additional state resources to better enable it to carry out its mission.
.NOW, THEREFORE, BE >R RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lakeville, that
it supports the Minnesota Zoo's request for state financial assistance, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lakeville that it
encourages Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Minnesota State Legislature to fully: fund. the
Minnesota Zoo's funding request in order to preserve and improve this. important state asset.
ADOPTED by the Lakeville City Council this 17th-day of February, 2004.
CITY OF LAKEVILL
~ ~ ,
Robert D. Jo on, Mayor
A ST
Charlene Friedges, City rk