Austin now has local representation on Minnesota’s Clean Water Council.

Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, has been appointed to the council as one of two state senators who will join the 28-member board.

The board provides advice to the Legislature and governor on implementing clean water policies for Minnesota.

“I’m very honored to have an opportunity to serve on the Clean Water Council,” Sparks said. “In particular, we can help some of the smaller communities with their waste water infrastructure needs.

“They can take advantage of these state dollars to try and upgrade their systems.”

The Clean Water Council was created in 2006 when the Clean Water Legacy Act was signed into law. The panel includes representatives from state and local governments, the business community, educational and environmental organizations, farmers and other interested parties. Together, they are responsible for assessing clean water initiatives and recommending changes and improvements.

The council meets the third Monday of every month.

“The group’s main focus is to unite a wide variety of private citizens and public institutions to create a well-rounded view for Minnesota’s clean water policies,” Sparks said. “It’s going to be some additional work, but clean water is very important to the entire state.”