Spring explodes on the scene here in the Border Country where Mother Nature rewards us with a new season of renewal, rebirth, and optimism.    The long warmer days provide the backdrop as construction season gets underway, the fishing opener gets locals and visitors back on the water, and graduations, weddings and special events fill the calendar.

In this Spring newsletter, we’ll provide an update on projects in the County, showcase a prominent International Falls retailer, introduce you to a local couple that returned “home”, and highlight the newest addition to local high school sports – trap shooting. 

Projects Moving Forward.

Island View Sewer Project.    The extension of the existing sewer infrastructure east on Highway 11 to the end of the road at Sha Sha Resort continues to move closer to construction.  Several key milestones have provided the necessary State and Federal funding (in addition to local users and Koochiching County) to move the project into the next phase.  Final easements, engineering, and homeowner assessment policy, are being completed and construction bids are expected to go out later this summer with a bid opening scheduled for September.  A public meeting will follow and construction expected to begin in the Spring of 2017.  The total project cost is estimated at $16.9 million dollars.  The project will provide sanitary sewer to approximately 162 residential and eight commercial operations.

Falls International Airport Terminal project.  Bids are being let for the construction of a new airport terminal at Falls International Airport.  The $8.8 million dollar project will replace the existing 40-year old structure as well as add a jet bridge.  The project will be funded with federal , state, and local dollars.  International Falls is one of nine airports in Minnesota with daily commercial air service and also provides customs clearance for international flights.  Construction is anticipated to begin later this summer.

TruStar Federal Credit Union.  Finishing touches are being completed on the 8,000 square foot expansion of TruStar’s International Falls headquarters office.  The nearly $2 million dollar expansion was due to the continued growth of TruStar’s operations in six locations in northern Minnesota.  The addition will house 20 new positions bringing the employee count to 46.

For more information on the KEDA and Koochiching County visit our website – www.businessupnorth.com.