RANIER — The U.S. Coast Guard has provided the city of Ranier with a form for those experiencing delays with the Ranier lift bridge to make a claim.
Boaters held up by railroad traffic on the bridge should see City Clerk Kim Nuthak at the Ranier Community Building to obtain the form, Ranier Mayor Ed Oerichbauer advised during Monday’s city council meeting.
“This is their way of handling delays by CN Railroad,” Oerichbauer explained.
The bridge connects Ranier to Fort Frances, Ontario, and its international traffic makes Ranier the second busiest port of entry in the United States. The bridge also marks the merging of Rainy Lake and Rainy River.
The Coast Guard form is intended for use only in regard to backups at the lift bridge, not at the railroad crossing on Spruce Street.
Oerichbauer said that a telephone number to report delays that is supposed to be printed on the bridge is reportedly not visible. He added that there is a call box on the bridge, but boat drivers would need to park their boat in the rapids and get on the bridge to access the call box.
“This is our only recourse at this point,” Oerichbauer said.
The Coast Guard form indicates that reports need to be made within 15 days of the incident, and confidentiality can be maintained. Reports can be made by mail, e-mail, telephone and fax.
In other business, the council voted to allow the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra to again use the Ranier Community Building free of charge for its annual orchestra workshop and concert. The orchestra will hold workshops from Aug. 15-19 and a concert on Aug. 20.
The city council also agreed to contribute $100 to the city of International Falls’ Fourth of July celebration fireworks, as it has in the past. The council also approved liquor licenses for Woody’s and Grandma’s Pantry.
