Green light for Lake Zumbro improvement plan

The planned major improvement of Lake Zumbro can finally move ahead.  Last year, the Olmsted and Wabasha county boards approved the establishment of a Lake Zumbro Improvement District and opponents had until last Friday to submit a valid petition seeking a referendum on the plan.  Olmsted County Senior Assistant Attorney Tom Canan

says neither county received a petition, clearing the way for an organizational meeting of the board that will oversee the district.  Canan says the board is expected to move ahead with design plans and hopes to finalize the project this year.  Work which will include dredging and other improvements is expected to begin next year.  The state has set aside $3 million for the project.  Lakeside property owners will be assessed for the rest of the cost.