REGIONAL — A mix of local infrastructure, recreation, veterans, and community projects across the East Range and North Woods received funding approval on Wednesday as part of actions taken by the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board.
Projects approved for funding include:
• $200,000 for Fall Lake Township road improvements.
• $500,000 for the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club to develop a new shared club facility.
• $50,000 for new pickleball courts in the City of Ely.
• $60,000 for updates to the Hoyt Lakes Ice Arena.
• $100,000 for reconstruction of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps pavilion in Hoyt Lakes.
• $200,000 for facility improvements and expansion at Veterans on the Lake.
• $15,000 for Northeast Range School door replacement through St. Louis County Schools
• $195,000 for the Historic Fire Hall Project in Tower.
•  City of Cook: $150,000 to improve the wastewater treatment facility and replace the sanitary sewer lines on several city streets and alleys.
Several of the projects either add to ongoing community development efforts or provide another piece of funding for projects already underway, including the Historic Fire Hall restoration in Tower and recreation-related projects in Ely and Hoyt Lakes.
When announcing the funding on Wednesday, Sen. Grant Hauschild said the projects were aimed at supporting community infrastructure and quality of life across northeastern Minnesota.
“These investments are about strengthening the communities that people call home across northeastern Minnesota,” Hauschild said. “From improving local roads and schools to supporting veterans, outdoor recreation, and community gathering spaces, these projects will help improve quality of life and continue building strong rural communities across the region.”
Rep. Roger Skraba described the projects as long-discussed local priorities with community benefits.
“These are practical projects that communities have been working toward for years,” Skraba said.
Hauschild also pointed to the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club project as a tourism-related investment expected to support winter recreation and create additional year-round gathering space for the organization.