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Ramsey County endorses continued operation of Devil's Lake outlets and joins opioid settlement participation
Summary
The commission voted to send a letter urging the state to operate West End and East End Devil’s Lake outlets at full capacity in 2026 and voted to participate in ongoing opioid settlement agreements so any approved settlement funds may be used locally for remediation and addiction services.
The commission reviewed a draft letter urging the state Department of Water Resources to operate the West End and East End outlets to help reduce regional flood risk and economic impacts. Commissioners discussed recent lake elevations, constraints posed by downstream water quality, and the long-term water balance for Devil’s Lake before voting to send a letter supporting continued outlet operation during the 2026 season.
Separately, staff recommended that Ramsey County sign a participation agreement to join ongoing opioid settlement proceedings; commissioners voted to have the chair sign the participation agreement so that, if courts approve final settlements, Ramsey County can receive and direct funds toward local opioid remediation and addiction recovery efforts.
The commission also adopted a resolution recognizing National Fallen Firefighters Week.
Commissioners asked staff to continue monitoring water balances and to coordinate with state and regional partners on outlet operation while tracking settlement implementation details for opioid remediation funding.
