Dayton Offers Prospect Of More Reimbursement For Buffers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is trying to find more money to reimburse farmers as part of his proposal for 50-foot buffers along Minnesota's waterways.

The agricultural community has balked at the governor's plan to protect water quality and wildlife by requiring buffers along lakes, rivers, streams and ditches. Reimbursing farmers for lost crop land has been a big concern.

The governor included $20 million in his proposed bonding bill unveiled Tuesday to buy up swaths of crop land from farmers. His administration is also trying to line up more funds through a similar federal program.

Sen. Dan Sparks is a top Senate Democrat who has called Dayton's proposal "unworkable." He says additional reimbursement would be a positive step.

Dayton's spokesman Matt Swenson says the governor is open to more suggestions.

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