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At the December 6, 2023, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board meeting, a $15 million expenditure was recommended for the city of Aurora Industrial Site. Other recommendations included $4 million in infrastructure grants; $56,000 in trail grants; $5.4 million in K-12 school collaboration funds; $8.6 million in mining fund rebates; and $500,000 in Giants Ridge Recreation Area Tax expenditures.
The projects are expected to increase the regional tax base, retain jobs and create construction jobs, provide essential services, improve education and expand outdoor recreation. Here is a look at funding amounts and project details:
City of Aitkin: $250,000
To construct infrastructure, site work and a new community field house as part of a larger regional park development serving Aitkin and the surrounding townships.
City of Aurora: $9 million
Infrastructure Grant for infrastructure and utilities to serve approximately 80-acres of land for future development.
Aurora Economic Development Authority: $6 million
Loan to construct a 30,000-square-foot spec building to be leased to future manufacturing tenant(s). The city of Aurora plans to develop an industrial site northeast of the intersection of Minnesota State Highway 135 and County Road 100. The city will retain ownership of the industrial property, other than the spec building, which is anticipated to be owned by the future Aurora Economic Development Authority. The project is estimated to create 98 construction jobs.
City of Biwabik: $250,000
To construct water and sewer storm water and reconstruct roads including pavement, concrete curb and gutter, water and sewer valves and storm water structures on First Avenue North. The project will correct severe deficiencies in the sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer systems, as well as deteriorating streets and alleys.
Breitung Township: $75,000
To construct new sewer line and storm sewer and reconstruct roads to improve the sanitary and storm sewer system on First Avenue and Church Street. The upgrades will help reduce high inflow and infiltration issues.
City of Buhl: $250,000
To construct new watermain and reconstruct roads within a new industrial park containing platted commercial lots. The new watermain will be extended to allow for 12 immediate lots and enable future development of 11 additional lots.
City of Calumet: $325,000
To construct new water, sewer utilities and roads along Gary Street (County Road 84) from US Highway 169 to Second Avenue. The utilities provide essential services to the community by maintaining clean drinking water and water discharge.
City of Chisholm: $400,000
To replace all public utility lines and services including water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, sidewalks and reconstruct roads within the right-of-way of Fifth Street South from Second Avenue Southwest to First Avenue Southeast, The project services approximately 50 private properties.
Chisholm-Hibbing Airport Authority: $150,000
To rehabilitate a taxi lane and upgrade a hangar that serves several business tenants located at the airport, including Midwest Aircraft Refinishing and Life Link III.
CTC Communications - Clint Township: $1,312,093
To expand fiber optic to connect up to 482 unserved and underserved households in Clinton Township and adjacent areas. Construction is planned for the summer of 2025.
Giants Ridge Recreation Area: $500,000
To support the design and construction of the new Recreation Center at Giants Ridge. The GRRA tax funds will be used to help offset the cost for the 9,700-square-foot facility that will be located directly across from the main ski area entrance. Facility amenities will include a swimming pool, hot tub, changing rooms, outdoor sauna experience, lobby area, parking lot, lighting and landscaping.
City of Hoyt Lake: $41,075
To purchase and renovate a vacant building that will be leased to the Ranger Snowmobile and ATV Club.
City of Ironton: $149,000
To construct a new water treatment facility, replacing a facility that is over 70 years old and that is not economically or technologically viable to renovate.
City of Mountain Iron: $100,000
To replace water line on Mineral Avenue which provides water to most residents in the community.
Nashwauk-Keewatin Independent School District No. 319: $5,400,000
To cover the increased costs related to the construction of a new K-12 school in Nashwauk, a project that was previously approved by the agency. The increased costs are a result of unanticipated construction inflation and the demolition of the existing schools.
City of Tower: $290,000
To repair and rehabilitate the exterior masonry and interior finishes of the historic Tower Fire Hall. A new HVAC system will be installed, and electrical will be upgraded.
United Taconite Mining Company: $1,226,395
For furnace Line 2 burner replacement and tailings management facility expansion.
City of Virginia: $500,000
To upgrade aged and failing infrastructure, install loading docks and relocate utilities for the continued redevelopment of Uptown Virginia Mall, which is owned by RockStep Capital. RockStep is redeveloping the interior small shop space and common area within the mall to reconfigure build-out space for a new anchor store and additional retail operators.
Read more in the Grand Rapids' Herald Review
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