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IRRR Board to consider Public Works stimulus projects, Giants Ridge amenities

2/18/2016 9:57:00 AM

EVELETH, Minn. – A $2.3 million investment in Public Works stimulus projects in 15 northeastern Minnesota communities that create 36 permanent jobs and 238 construction jobs will be considered by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) at an 11 a.m., Monday, February 22, meeting at IRRRB headquarters in Eveleth.

“These projects generate a total public and private investment of more than $37 million in our communities,” said Mark Phillips, IRRRB commissioner. “The jobs these projects create and the needs that are addressed are currently important to each of these communities and the region.”

A proposal that would construct $500,000 in purpose-built mountain bike trails, multi-use nature trails, a climbing wall, and a children’s playground at Giants Ridge in Biwabik will also be presented to the board. An existing Giants Ridge Recreation Area lodging tax fund would pay for the projects.

The board will also consider:

• A $455,000 loan to KMDA, Inc. toward a $1.56 million project that will expand its hunting and fishing product manufacturing operation in Bovey. The project creates four new jobs.

• A $300,000 grant to support a $600,000 University of Minnesota Duluth Natural Resources Research Institute pilot-scale demonstration of ilmenite processing technology. The university would provide a $300,000 match.

• A $736,349 Mining Reinvestment Fund rebate to Magnetation LLC toward a $1.54 million flotation bank project at Magnetation’s Plant 4.

Public Works stimulus projects to be considered are:

Organization	Project Description	Grant Award
City of Aitkin	Infrastructure for a new dental clinic	$99,000
City of Aurora	Infrastructure for Maple Drive development	250,000
City of Chisholm	City hall upgrades and remodeling	250,000
City of Cook	Vermilion Boulevard infrastructure	103,000
City of Crosby	Infrastructure development	250,000
City of Ely	Infrastructure development	250,000
City of Gilbert	Site development for new facility	40,000
City of Grand Marais	New public works facility infrastructure	100,000
City of Grand Rapids	Infrastructure development	100,000
City of Hoyt Lakes	Wastewater facility improvements	250,000
City of Marble	Water line replacement	163,000
City of Taconite	Infrastructure improvements	120,000
City of Two Harbors	City campground infrastructure	100,000
City of Virginia	Infrastructure for new facility	213,188
City of Winton	City hall/community center infrastructure	100,000
		$2,388,188

In other business, resolutions regarding the Iron Range School Collaboration Fund will be considered.