REGIONAL- Gov. Tim Walz released his proposed $2.7 billion capital improvements bonding bill on Tuesday, but the results were mostly disappointing for North Country entities that applied for funding consideration.
Ely was the only city or township in the region to submit a proposal that received the governor’s recommendation for funding. Walz greenlighted $1.5 million to complete construction of a regional trailhead complex and visitors center at the west end of Ely that will serve the David Dill Taconite Snowmobile Trail, the Mesabi Trail and the Prospector Loop ATV Trail.
Phase One of the project was completed in 2020, and the city hopes to move forward with the completion of the project beginning in May. The city noted that a combined trailhead facility reduces the overall costs of accommodating all three trails and will reduce future maintenance needs, all at a savings to taxpayers.
However, Walz turned thumbs down on a $1.55 million request from St. Louis County that included $500,000 to upgrade and extend the Prospector Loop Trail to a connection point with the Voyageur Country and Quad Cities ATV trails southwest of Tower at Pfeiffer Lake. The rejected request also included $1 million for the Voyageur Country ATV project for planning to extend the trail into Koochiching County and to construct a segment of a trail between Lake Kabetogama, Ray, and Ericsburg.
The news wasn’t all good for Ely either, as Walz declined to recommend a second request for $2.55 million for infrastructure improvements to accommodate its West End development plans for expansion of Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital, workforce housing, and site development for a regional ambulance facility.
The city of Tower also failed in its bid on behalf of the Tower Breitung Wastewater Board to get the governor’s nod for $1.75 million to upgrade the water treatment facility. This past fall, drinking water from the facility was determined to be in violation of standards for trihalomethanes, a byproduct of increased use of chlorine to disinfect the water.
Wastewater operator Matt Tuchel told the Tower City Council in October that the TBWWB experienced its first violations of those contaminants in 2014 and 2015. A high beaver population in the area had raised the river level near the wells, increasing concerns about surface water contaminants that the water treatment plant was not designed to treat. A recent influx of new beavers created conditions for another round of violations.
Without $1.75 million in bonding funds from the state, TBWWB would fall well short of the estimated $5.8 million to improve the treatment facility, abandon some wells and improve others, and replace the main service line for the city of Tower.
Other regional requests Walz passed over include:
• $1.9 million requested by Crane Lake Township to construct a DNR public access point to the lake that would complement the planned Voyageurs National Park Visitors Center to be built there. The funds would have provided for land acquisition, launch ramps, docks, asphalt parking, storm water and aquatic invasive species management, a flush toilet, associated road and utility improvements, green spaces and picnic structures.
• $1 million requested by the city of Babbitt for a housing infrastructure project.
• $4 million requested by Biwabik for full reconstruction of three city streets, including replacement of water mains, sewer lines, storm drain sewer system and sidewalk replacement.
• $2.6 million requested by Chisholm to replace a 46-year-old ice plant, floors, and dehumidification systems for the Chet Tomassoni Chisholm Hockey Arena and Chisholm Curling Club.
Other recommendations
Walz’s proposal would bring some significant funding to the area through allocations to various state agencies.
Tower and Soudan could receive an economic boost if the Legislature goes along with Walz’s recommendation for $12 million for Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Funding would include construction of the Lake Lodge Visitor Center, design of the South Vermilion Ridge Campground, rehabilitation of the fire tower, parking, trail design, and construction of a renewable energy source.
Vermilion Community College in Ely would receive $3 million to design and renovate six general purpose classrooms in the Classroom Building and College Center, and provide funds to renovate two sets of restrooms, adjacent corridors and lobby areas, create a new entryway, and replace the Classroom Building roof.
Ely’s efforts to increase childcare availability in the city could potentially get a boost from $10 million Walz is recommending for construction and renovation of early childhood facilities, although a fully developed facility plan would need to be readied for submission for the competitive grants.
Walz also recommended $10.2 million for the Giants Ridge ski facility to upgrade, construct, and support a new infrastructure system for the snow-making process.
There’s a long way to go before a final bonding bill is drafted by the Legislature, and Walz’s recommendations are just that. Any of the above proposals could still receive or be denied funding. The Senate Capital Investment Committee, chaired by Sen. Tom Bakk, I-Cook, has been touring the state since late last summer to assess local and regional needs and will develop its own proposals, setting the stage for negotiations to arrive at a final bonding bill.