As construction of the North Koochiching Area Sewer District continues, progress to relocate the Borderland Humane Society holding facility is at a standstill.
The holding facility, which is owned and managed by the city, sits on land owned by the NKASD. Because of the age of the treatment plant and changes in regulation by state and federal agencies, updates and reconstruction are required for a new sewer district facility.
In May, officials told The Journal the holding facility is in the middle of a “a very dangerous situation.”
In order to establish an outcome in the best interest of the animals and BHS volunteers, a task force consisting of BHS volunteers and county and city officials was established to consider possible options.
According to Koochiching County Administrative Director Teresa Jaksa, the plan to relocate the facility temporarily was eliminated and the process to find more permanent options is underway.
An area of about two acres of tax-forfeited land adjacent to Menard’s has been on the radar for a potential site, and that the acreage of the property would accommodate a holding facility and a dog park.
Jaksa explained that the city of International Falls earlier this month requested the conveyance of the tax-forfeited land to build a new facility.
The county board Tuesday accepted that request, and agreed to submit an application to the state to complete the transaction. The city is responsible for the application fee.
“Now, we need to wait for the state to approve it or not and then, if it is approved, the state would need to issue a deed for the land,” Jaksa told The Journal Thursday.
Jaksa said there wasn’t much to report on the progress because wetland credits must also be in place before any further action can be taken.
“The city is working on that,” Jaksa said of the wetland permit.
Jaska continued that both government bodies want to move forward with the relocation project, however, “process is process.”
“We want to get in there and get access to clear the site, but we can’t do anything until we know where the wetland permit is or if the land can be conveyed to the city,” she said.
In the meantime, Borderland Humane Society officials are holding a yard sale Sept. 1, with the proceeds being used to fund a new holding facility.
The sale is scheduled to run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the alley of 1312 11th St. Members of the community can arrange to contribute gently used items by calling 283-2928 or 285-8735.
