A developer involved in a multi-model warehouse project with the International Falls Economic Development Authority is expected to receive a letter of intent from another company for a second project in the district.
The EDA heard Monday from Shawn Mason, Falls director of economic and community development, that within 10-15 days the developer expects the letter about a second project and then more specific details of his first project will be released to the public.
Mason said the developer has also begun to explore a third project for the site, located off County Highway 155.
Details for closing the deal for the first warehouse project, including location of Boise Inc.’s leachate line, are now being finalized by city Attorney Steve Shermoen, Public Works Director Gary Skallman and Boise officials. Mason said that wetland issues are also involved.
Once those details are finalized, the deal will be closed and the details of the project will be unveiled to the public, she said.
In other business Monday, the EDA agreed to establish as policy that anyone who pays commercial property taxes in the city is eligible for the city’s commercial loan program.
The program provides up to $24,999.99 at a term of 3 percent interest over 30 years with other requirements.
Mason reported that a public tour through the 125-acres, which was provided as a gift to the city, known as the Donahue property is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 10. The tour will be given the next day in the event of rain.
She said the tour is the start of the city’s visioning process for the property, which could include a housing development.
The EDA supported concern voiced by the Koochiching County Board last week about a state-mandated review of the wetland laws in the state.
The EDA approved a letter to Gov. Mark Dayton, and others, seeking that exceptions remain in place now allowed Koochiching and other counties with more than 80 percent of presettlement wetlands intact.
On Tuesday, county commissioners again discussed the review with Board Chairman Brian McBride saying that some county officials believe that Dayton is attempting to ease restrictions for counties like Koochiching and to simplify the very complex procedures involved in developing wetlands. That support, he said, has also been heard from former Sen. Bob Lessard.
