Movement on a plan to develop a warehouse and processing facility project in Borderland bodes well for our future.
The International Falls City Council Monday accepted an appraisal of $165,000 for undeveloped land east of the city on County Highway 155 owned by Boise Inc. for the project. That makes way for city and company to establish a purchase agreement for the site. We’re grateful Boise, our area’s largest employer, appears willing to be a partner in bringing this plan to fruition.
The project is moving forward, due in part, to a $657,400 state grant awarded in May to the International Falls Economic Development Authority. The grant will help with the first phase of the multi-modal facility that would provide repackaging services enabling companies to meet United States regulatory requirements before they are shipped on to other locations.
About 50 jobs are expected to be created in five years as a result of the project. Total project cost is estimated at $957,400.
The facility’s location, adjacent to what’s become known as the busiest rail port in North America, should trigger additional development along the newly created road as well as in the nearby foreign trade zone.
And as a hub of transportation offerings — air, road and rail — located in the center of North America, Borderland has great potential for development.
The warehouse project could be the start of a brighter, more diversified economy for Borderland and we look forward to the Aug. 30 groundbreaking celebration.
