WC Minnesota News

Next week, members of the House Capital Investment Committee, led by Co-Chair Mary Franson, will start a three-day tour of Northeast Minnesota to examine infrastructure projects proposed for state funding. The group will visit several counties to assess local needs and collect feedback from community leaders as they prepare for the next bonding bill.

The committee’s itinerary includes stops at various sites across Pine, Carlton, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, and Koochiching counties. In Pine County, lawmakers will review the Pine City Wastewater Treatment Pond System and Moose Lake Inflow and Infiltration Reduction project. Carlton County visits include the Cloquet Area Fire District, Carlton County Transfer Station, and Jay Cooke State Park.

In St. Louis County, committee members plan to tour locations in both the Duluth area—such as the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, St. Louis County Courthouse, Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, and Great Lakes Aquarium—and on the Iron Range with stops at Virginia City Hall, Eveleth Wastewater Treatment Facility, Hibbing City Hall, Mesabi Trail Pedestrian Bridge, and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Additional destinations include Split Rock State Park and Silver Bay City Center Park and Amphitheater in Lake County; Grand Marais Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cook County; and International Falls Water Treatment Facility in Koochiching County.

“These tours are an important way for lawmakers to see the projects and hear directly from local leaders,” Co-Chair Franson said. “Seeing these sites in person helps us understand community needs and make informed decisions about how to invest taxpayer dollars responsibly.”