Just a few hours after Governor Mark Dayton announced that his proposed bonding bill includes $3.6 million for the creation of the Lake Superior – Poplar River Water District, Lutsen Mountains Corporation Co-President Charles Skinner spoke to the Lutsen Town Board, asking for its support of the $4.8 million project. “We’re in the governor’s bonding bill, which is a significant accomplishment,” he said.
Skinner explained to the Lutsen Town Board at its Tuesday, January 17 meeting that the development of a pipeline from Lake Superior to Lutsen Mountains and a water treatment facility would serve three purposes. He said the water drawn from Lake Superior would be used for snowmaking, for irrigation at Superior National at Lutsen golf course, and for drinking water for the resorts and condominium associations in the water district.
Skinner distributed a map of the proposed water district boundaries detailing where the water pipeline would be laid. He asked if there were questions and said, “I’m just looking for a general motion of support.”
Supervisor Diane Parker asked why the pipeline was so critical to the resorts in the proposed water district. She said she thought they were served by wells. Skinner said that is true, however, the wells are very deep and pumping is sometimes required to get enough water for the lodging establishments. Skinner said that could be damaging to the aquifer of the Poplar River.
Firefighter Larry McNeally asked if the proposed water system would improve water delivery in the case of a fire. When a Caribou Highlands Lodge town home was destroyed by fire December 2008, the six fire departments that responded were hindered by the lack of water. Tankers had to travel to a water source and were delayed by icy roads, allowing the fire to spread. Skinner said he believed the new water system would make water availability and pressure much better. He agreed to work with Lutsen Fire Chief Paul Goettl to determine the best location for fire hydrants when the project is being developed.
A 25 percent local match is required for the project, which means $1.2 million in nonstate funds must be found—the majority of which will come from Lutsen Mountains Ski Hill, Skinner said. He provided a list of project partners who will also contribute in some way, including the Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA), Superior National at Lutsen golf course, Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior, Mountain Inn, Village at Lutsen Mountain Condominium Association, Eagle Ridge Resort, Papa Charlie’s Restaurant, and several other businesses who have yet to finalize their approval.
The EDA passed a unanimous motion of support for the project on December 8, 2011, noting that the pipeline would fulfill the increased irrigation needs of the EDA-owned Superior National at Lutsen golf course as it seeks to create a 27-hole “destination” golf course.
In a press release following the governor’s announcement, Mike Littfin, chair of the EDA said, “We are grateful to the governor’s support for this important project for our region.”
The local tourism association, the Cook County Visitors Bureau (CCVB), has also endorsed the project. “Cook County’s economy is driven by tourism,” said Sally Nankivell, executive director, CCVB. “Summer is the dominant period for tourism, but winter tourism is vital to the sustainability of the entire economy.”
The town of Tofte passed a unanimous motion of support for the project at its January
12, 2012 town meeting, noting that the ski hill is a “keystone” to business success in Cook County (see related story on page A11.)
Lutsen supervisors quickly reached consensus to pass a motion of support and Supervisor Diane Parker added, “I wish this could have been done 10 years ago.”
Legislative support is now needed
Judy Erickson, government relations specialist for Lutsen Mountains, said she believes there is support from Northland legislators. She said being included in the governor’s bonding bill is good news, but that bills must still be introduced in the House and Senate and the proposal must go through hearings. “But being in the governor’s proposal for bonding is a start,” she said.
Support has already been expressed by Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake). After the governor’s announcement, Rep. Dill said, “This project is about doing the right thing for the community and natural resources and a county with less than 5,000 people. It is absolutely critical to Cook County’s economy.”
Protecting the Poplar River is critical
One reason the project has received such resounding support, said Skinner, is that it “provides for the long-term protection of the ecology of the Poplar River, a designated trout stream.”
In November 2011, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources granted Lutsen Mountains Corporation 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.
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