At a special meeting of the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) on December 8, Charles Skinner of Lutsen Mountains Corporation (LMC) approached the EDA board seeking support for the proposal to construct a pipeline to Lake Superior to draw water for snowmaking operations at the ski hill. Lutsen Mountains Corporation asked for the EDA’s help in seeking $3.6 million in state bond proceeds for project. If the bonding is approved, more funds will be necessary to complete the pipeline project, however, how much—and where that money will come from—is yet to be determined.
According to Skinner, the money from bonding would be used “to secure easements [and] for engineering, design, permitting and construction of a pipeline to Lake Superior.”
In November 2011, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources granted LMC permission to continue drawing water from the Poplar River for snowmaking, despite very low water levels in the river. However, at that time, DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr stressed that the permit is a short-term solution. The DNR said LMC must cease all pumping from the Poplar River by fall 2016.
Skinner noted that the pipeline to Lake Superior would not just benefit the ski hill, but could also directly benefit the EDAowned Superior National at Lutsen (SNL) golf course by providing a sustainable water source for irrigation.
He presented preliminary cost estimates for the project and information on how the expense could possibly be shared among all who would benefit—the resorts along the Poplar River and the homeowners associations, as well as the golf course and the ski hill.
Since the estimates for funding sources and the need for matching funds was unclear, Skinner asked the EDA to give its “general approval” of the project.
Looking at the preliminary figures, SNL Manager Bob Fenwick noted that more information was needed. But he agreed with Skinner that the golf course could benefit greatly from the project. “More discussion needs to take place, but I think overall, we need to be supportive of this.”
EDA Board Member Bruce Martinson said he felt the initial proposal placed too much of the burden on the golf course. “I think more funding needs to come from those who will benefit the most—the resort owners. But I can support this and we can figure that out later,” he said.
EDA Board Chair Mike Littfin said he fully supports the project, noting that the golf course has been wanting to approve its water delivery system for years. “We were looking at a stand-alone system, but this would be a more robust and effective system,” said Littfin.
Martinson reminded the EDA of its recent discussions about job retention and expansion. “This is important. It is important to sustain the jobs at the ski hill. I’ve been receiving a lot of pressure about use of water from Poplar River and it is only going to get greater. I support this.”
The EDA board reviewed a draft resolution of support for the bonding request which Martinson noted spoke mainly of the economic benefits of the pipeline. “Should we add that this is something that would provide long-term protection of the Poplar River?” he asked.
Skinner said he didn’t feel that was necessary. “We’re trying to focus on the positive aspects of the project.”
Martinson disagreed, “When it comes down to it, that is what it is about.”
His board colleagues said it was best to keep the resolution “clean” and a motion was made by Board Member Hal Greenwood to endorse the bonding request. The motion carried unanimously and Greenwood said he was confident that the bonding request would be approved.
Skinner thanked the EDA and added, “There will be a lot of details to be worked out. A water district will have to be formed, so we’ll be back.”
EDA Chair Littfin said, “It will be a long process, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
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