KEDA Update – 10/17
Fall is in the air. After enjoying some of the best weather in the country this summer, here we go again – the gradual slide into Fall in the Northland begins. It’s a dramatic time as Nature does her magic transforming the landscape and providing opportunities to take up those favorite Fall past times. For many locals, it’s the best time of the year, taking to the woods to enjoy hunting shack life, ATV riding, grouse hunting, hiking, etc.
In this Fall newsletter, we’ll provide an update on projects underway in the County, introduce a new owner of a long-standing local business, meet a young entrepreneur that is making his mark on the area, and look at a precious commodity that is vital to our economy and way of life – water.
Projects Moving Forward.
Falls International Airport Terminal project. The new $10.5 million terminal went live on October 4th and was introduced to the public in a formal ribbon cutting with local and regional dignitaries on October 10th. The new terminal replaces the existing 40-year old terminal and provides air travelers a more comfortable experience including a new jet bridge. A new daily schedule with Delta/Skywest offers non-stop service to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2017 and has seen an increase in enplanements. On the heels of the terminal project, Phase II of the project begins next Spring. Phase II will entail the tearing down of the old terminal and replacing it with a new Customs facility, with TSA and airport administrative offices.
Island View Sewer Project. Construction began in August on this $18.4 million dollar (estimated) infrastructure project that will extend the sanitary sewer from Tilson Bay east to Sha Sha Resort, serving 162 residential properties and 8 commercial establishments. Two firms have begun directional drilling, blasting, and constructing the many components of the project and have made significant progress over sometimes difficult and rocky terrain to a challenging 9-foot depth. Project planners indicate that the project is on schedule, although project progress will be greatly reduced during the winter months. Individual property hook-ups are projected to begin in May or June of 2018 with total project completion targeted for July of 2019.
Rainy River Community College Turns 50. Rainy River Community College celebrates its 50th birthday this year. The institution, which is part of the 5-college Northeast Higher Education District, offers a two-year Associate of Arts Degree as well as a variety of certifications and has provided customized training to meet local business needs. Rainy River, home of the Voyageurs, also has men’s and women’s sports programs. Entering its 50th year, the college also named a new provost – Dr. Roxanne Kelly – to lead the school. The school marked the occasion with a breakfast, campus tour, and a series of visual history panels of previous faculty, athletic teams, and events. For more information, visit their website – www.rainyriver.edu.
For more information on the KEDA and Koochiching County visit our website – www.businessupnorth.com.