The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) has two relatively new board members. Carol Mork (left) has been on the board almost a year now, having been appointed to the EDA board last November. At the latest EDA meeting on August 30, the board welcomed Bev Green to her first meeting as an EDA board member. Green has been a regular attendee of EDA meetings for quite some time.
The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) held a special meeting on Tuesday, August 30 to discuss the projects for which it is seeking funding from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). At the end of the meeting, the EDA has created a priority list of Cook County to be presented to the IRRRB.
The reason for the list, explained EDA Board Chair Howard Hedstrom, was that the total of the Cook County projects is $1.437 million. He said the IRRRB development account has about $5 million to distribute. EDA Director Mary Somnis said the IRRRB has less to spend on redevelopment because of the recent downturn in the mining industry.
Hedstrom pointed to five Cook County projects currently in the line up for funding and said IRRRB Executive Director of Development Steve Peterson recommended prioritizing Cook County’s needs. “These are all very worthy, but it’s probably not in the cards that they all will be funding,” said Hedstrom. “So Steve recommended that we prioritize things.”
There are five entities and projects vying for IRRRB assistance. The Cook County Airport is seeking $250,000 to complete the work on its arrival and departure building. The Poplar River Water District is seeking $350,000 to complete the potable water portion of that project. Superior National at Lutsen golf course is seeking $325,000 to complete phase 2 of the renovation of the golf course.
The EDA is applying for funds for two housing projects, seeking $400,000 for a rental housing facility in Lutsen and $112,000 for a workforce housing project in Grand Marais.
Hedstrom noted that a subcommittee of the EDA had discussed the various projects with representatives of the airport board, Superior National at Lutsen and the Cook County Chamber. “It’s always better for us as a community to prioritize, rather than all approach and lobby the IRRRB on our own,” he said.
Board Member Carol Mork asked if it is possible that the IRRRB could choose to divide the funding amongst all of the projects, granting lesser amounts to all. Hedstrom said yes and noted that it is actually unlikely if any project gets the entire amount applied for.
There was discussion of the various projects and newly appointed EDA Board Member Bev Green asked why the grant application for the Lutsen rental housing project was so much higher than that for the Grand Marais housing project. Was it because there is no sewer and water infrastructure at the proposed site? Her colleagues said yes, that is the case.
After a bit more discussion, the EDA board agreed to prioritize the projects as follows: 1.) Phase 2 of Superior National at Lutsen; 2.) Workforce housing project in Lutsen; 3.) Workforce housing project in Grand Marais; 4.) Cook County Airport arrival and departure building; 5.) Poplar River Water District potable water.
The EDA board also passed the resolutions necessary for it to submit its workforce housing grant applications.
The EDA board also welcomed new member Bev Green. The Grand Marais City Council appointed Green as the city EDA representative at its August 10 council meeting.
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