Highway corridor plans on hold

The discussion focused on task force draft plans to address the aesthetics and character of the corridor for pedestrian safety, connections to area attractions and economic impact.

The goal, Stone said, is an attractive, tourist-friendly corridor from the south entrance to International Falls on Minnesota Highway 53 and on through Minnesota Highway 11 to the eastern access points to Rainy Lake and Voyageurs National Park.

The business community was initially very involved with input, said Stone. However, its presence has waned and he said that it’s needed to make adjustments along the way with long-term plans.

Without strong input, Stone said some could have issues with interpretation of task force project plans and use of materials. The present economy had already changed the group’s initial focus by forcing it to prioritize projects as other elements are delayed, Stone said.

“It’s not looking good for more beautification,” he added.

Major projects include the potential for a downtown welcome center, which has since replaced two alternative plans for the south end of the business district as a key anchor project. He said the Falls City Council has toured the building before considering a feasibility study.

The building, owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, once served a similar function and has current tenants. He said MnDOT officials expressed a willingness to transfer ownership of the building, and that the roof would need to be replaced in the near future.

Stone said the project is important as a downtown gateway to Rainy River, Rainy Lake, Voyagers National Park and Canada. It would possibly share space with the area Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and includes a restroom open at all times and tourism counter access.

International Falls City Councilor Cynthia Jaksa said the site visit by city officials went well and invited the task force to make a presentation to the council prior to the feasibility process.

Stone also addressed a plan for renovation and access modifications to the former fire tower near Black Bay of Rainy Lake. He said the view of the lake makes the tower a destination for sightseeing and would tie into other plans to celebrate the scenic and historical significance of Tilson Creek Trail and Jackfish Bay.

The task force wants to add kiosks for the walking and biking path and for drivers along the Highway 11 trail to Voyageurs Park.

Some people at the luncheon spoke with concern about the long draft status and asked whether finalizing something would help it move forward. Some people also voiced concern about how much time would pass before results would be noticeable.

Stone said he understood the need to see results, but said it’s in the best interests of the comprehensive, long-term effort to keep the plan in draft form until “compelled” to finalize. This could be when adequate funding is available to complete major projects, he added.

Also on Thursday, blight was discussed.

The task force used corridor video provided by MnDOT to categorize properties, locate project opportunity areas and identify pedestrian safety issues.

Stone said that blight is a difficult issue without a central predominant use in the corridor does. He said the mixed use of residential, commercial and vacant structures, along with wetlands, makes it difficult to identify blight.

Stone said he was pleased that the city has taken on the issue of blight with incentives and enforcement. The task force would like the city to remove vacant buildings and cut area with high grass in open fields and industrial areas.

The task force is also working with Koochiching County officials to enforce blight policies along Highway 11 East.

Stone encouraged participation in the gateway project. He said his statistics show that businesses that comply with signs and beautification recommendations tend to operate more successfully.

The task force is working around unavoidable blight issues by proposing better storm drainage and trees along roads near wetlands. City beautification projects include sidewalk extension, street lighting and underground power lines from downtown to the airport. There are two “vest pocket” parks planned between 11th and 17th streets.

The Spotlight on Business portion of the luncheon was on Rainy River Community College, with a presentation from Barb Fisher, recruiting and marketing director.

Fisher discussed the need for a two-year college as a financial and academic advantage for Borderland students that could save money and allow for small classroom sizes before moving on to complete a degree with transferable credits to any Minnesota State Colleges and Universities school.

RRCC staff members are now adding outreach liaison to their titles as they attend functions around the northland to educate more communities about the advantages of expanded evening and online classes and new spring start times for some on-campus courses.

Fisher discussed technology updates and changes in industrial technology and nursing, home health aid, and practical nursing programs.

She answered questions about participation in clinical nursing programs, which she said is limited by space and staff, with only two full-time staff for 76 full-time students.

One person asked whether there could be a hospitality industry curriculum developed at the school.

RRCC Provost Wayne Merrell, who was present with Scott Riley, director of financial aid, said both short-term and permanent program plans are determined by such input, and said a cosmetology program is one example that may be possible in collaboration with a local business setting.