Efforts to develop the local foreign trade zone have taken a “significant move forward,” Koochiching Economic Development Authority Board Director Paul Nevanen reported Wednesday.
Will Hoyt, assistant Koochiching County engineer, is drawing up a final grading plan for the site and an application for a conditional use permit to clear rock is in the works, according to Nevanen.
A hearing for the permit is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 14 in the commissioner’s room at the courthouse.
“If (the permit) is approved, the county will call for bids to clear the site,” Nevanen said. “This is one step closer to development.”
Nevanen added that Dave Serrano, Arro of the North, is working on a conceptual site plan that lists some building footprints and parking lots for the site.
“Our hope is to have that site plan next month so you can see visually how we’re at least going to try to market this and what kinds of structures would fit on there and make sense,” Nevanen told the board. “I’m pleased we’ve got some movement.”
Nevanen also discussed the Renewable Energy Clean Air Project and steps being taken to move forward.
“The county, through KDA, is applying for funding of a 2012 bonding bill,” he said. “The request is for $12 million.”
Nevanen said the money would be used for construction of the facility should the preliminary design and preconstruction work be approved.
“In essence, (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) said they understand the feasibility study portion of this (project) is closed and some reworking of a few pieces needs to be done,” he explained.
He went on to say that it also appears the United States Department of Energy has released $2.3 million that has been designated for preliminary design, permitting and preconstruction of the project.
“We’re in good shape and should be ready to look into phase two,” said Nevanen.
In discussion regarding the Iron Range Resources 2012 funding, state Rep. Tom Anzelc, DFL-Balsam Township, provided the board with information about a possible cut of the funding.
“The group should understand that the funding has historically been in the neighborhood of $550,000 per year shared equally between Koochiching and Carlton counties,” Anzelc explained. “What is on the table as we speak with eight days to go in the fiscal year, is a cut of approximately 50 percent.”
Koochiching uses a portion of the money it receives through the fund to support the KEDA, area’s lead economic development agency, with the remainder used for solid waste efforts.
“This is a very serious cut,” Anzelc said. “With eight days to go, it is anybody’s guess what will happen.”
In other business, Nevanen updated board members on progress to establish an additional cold cell in the International Falls facility.
Nevanen, who serves as the cold weather testing coordinator, is collaborating with a former cold weather testing customer that is looking to consolidate all its testing in the Falls.
The company is interested in establishing a portable or fixed-option cold cell in addition to the 1,900-square-foot cell currently located at the facility.
“In order to fast track this and get these folks on the ground this year, we’re looking into private funding,” Nevanen said.
He added that a resolution from the airport commission supports the plan. An accurate idea of what the price tag for the cold box will be is still in the works, but Nevanen said discussions with the customer “remain real positive.”
During the public comment period, Onida Paulbeck,, Falls High School social studies/history teacher, expressed her gratitude for the board’s $500 donation to the Best Prep Minnesota Business Venture program.
The program is a one-week summer residential opportunity which allows high school students to learn about business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career direction.
