A short drive around Borderland gives evidence of progress that community leaders say is a sign of optimism for the future.
The most visible of projects are on the west end of International Falls, where the $18 million new facility of Good Samaritan Society-International Falls is being constructed and the $14 million renovation of the North Koochiching Area Sewer Treatment plant is taking place.
But there are also other developments within the community. On the other end of the town is the completed McDonald’s renovation and the ongoing facelifts at Northern Lumber and Slumberland. In addition, the city has earmarked $1 million to bring infrastructure to the multi-model warehouse district on County Highway 155.
Many road projects have been started and some completed, providing the community with 10-ton road access from all directions.
And there are those less visible projects that are also expected to set the stage for the future of Borderland.
Menards has been authorized to use some of the city’s banked wetland credits for an expansion.
“We are still working through the approval process but if everything goes as planned, we hope to expand our International Falls Menards store in the near future,” said Jeff Abbott, promotions manager and spokesperson for Menard Inc., Eau Claire, Wis.
Community leaders say the investment into the larger Borderland community bodes well for the future.
“This signals a willingness of our business community to invest dollars back into the city,” said International Falls Mayor Tim “Chopper” McBride Friday from the spot near his hunting shack that has cell phone coverage.
Along with the visible construction projects, McBride said city streets and sidewalks are being improved and the Alexander Baker-Backus complex is moving forward.
“We are in progressive mode,” said McBride.
The construction that goes along with the projects brings people that spend money in the community and get a taste of Borderland for future visits, he said.
The only thing missing is the construction of a hospital near the Good Samaritan project, said McBride.
Shawn Mason, International Falls director of economic and community development, said the projects around the community signal optimism.
“Those types of investments typically have a very positive domino effect in a community,” said Mason. “I believe that these investments are setting the stage for a healthier tax base, for job creation and for additional investments to be made in our community.”
Businesses that are improving their appearance are helping to give the community a more pleasing look, which Mason said creates an energy that is positive and contagious.
She noted that the city recently razed a blighted complex on U.S. Highway 53 that helps make the way for new development.
Mason said the community’s residences may also get a boost should an $800,000 housing rehabilitation grant be approved that would provide money for owner-occupied single dwellings and to landlords who own single-family dwellings.
The improvements in the community position it well for other developments, she said.
“We have momentum building,” said Mason. “We need to do everything in our or power to make sure we don’t break stride.”
Paul Nevanen, Koochiching Economic Development Authority director, said investment of any scale in the community signals confidence.
“The overall effect is to create optimism and a positive feel,” he said. “Nothing gets people more excited than seeing dirt moving.”
But, he said, the ultimate goal is job creation. “It all feeds off each other and we need the rolling out of long-term, full-time jobs,” he said.
Nevanen noted that a second cold box at the area’s cold weather testing facility was fired up Monday and the first customers will arrive at the end of the month.
While sitting in his deer stand Tuesday morning, Mike Hanson, Koochiching County commissioner and chairman of the KEDA, agreed that other people and companies interested in the community base decisions on the progress occurring.
He said road work in all directions, as well as investments by Canadian National Railway, is an opportunity to show prospective developers that the area is conducive to development.
“Even though we’re at the top of the world, we have terrific avenues of transportation,” he said.
Hanson noted that other improvements around the county include a new Birchdale Fire Hall, county investment in roads and bridges, and improvements in county parks along Rainy River.
Ongoing development, including the Renewable Energy Clean Air Project and interest in the county’s sphagnum peat resource, continue to move forward, he said.
“The area still has the largest peat companies in Canada very interested in our area,” he said. “And it’s a rare week that goes by that we don’t get somebody contacting us about biomass, woody materials. It’s a matter of time before it develops into a mature business.”
But Hanson noted that all the progress in the community doesn’t come easy.
“There are people out there making really fervent attempts to better our community and they should all be thanked,” he said. “It’s a difficult chore.”
