We did it!  

Cook County’s first effort to seek state legislative support for local infrastructure has successfully resulted in securing $1 million in funding. Several trips to the Capitol resulted in numerous introductions and discussions with not only our own district elected officials but with members that sit on the Transportation committees and Capital Investment committees. These meetings were instrumental in securing funds along with the numerous handouts and even a video that was produced with interviews from within our community that illustrate the importance of this project. These funds will go towards improving the end 10 miles of the Gunflint Trail scheduled for 2028. Is this the end of our pursuit of funds? Absolutely not! Here’s a quick breakdown of the project and where we’re at. But first… 

Thank you to our legislators! Both Senator Hauschild and Representative Skraba were instrumental in helping secure these funds for us. They each championed our project at two different House and Senate hearings and also worked behind the scenes to show how important this project is not just to our community, but to the state of Minnesota. Second, thank you to the community! From our Board of Commissioners to the fire departments and emergency responders, and the businesses and residents who wrote letters of support to the investment committee and transportation committee chairs and co-chairs- this was the definition of “teamwork makes the dreamwork.”  Thank you. 

Back to the project. The 50,000 foot view is in 2028 we are planning to improve the end 10 miles of the Gunflint Trail. Improvements include replacing at least 16 culverts, up to 4 bridges, and resurfacing 10 miles of road. Over the last few years, we’ve been working on securing funds for this project through a variety of state and federal resources. To date, we have secured $5.5 million! $4.5 million will go towards actual construction and the $1 million we were allocated from the legislature this session will go towards final design.  

While this is certainly a step in the right direction, our work is far from being done. The preliminary estimate for this project sits at approximately $16 million, meaning we still need another $10.5 million to start construction. As I type, I am working on a $3 million application from the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Funds to go towards the culvert and bridge replacements. These funds support environmental improvements and replacing these culverts will create a better-connected Rainy River watershed and a more resilient Gunflint Trail. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for that one.

Additionally, we reached out to our federal legislators- Senators Smith and Klobuchar as well as Congressman Stauber- for their support in securing funds. While we didn’t receive support from Congressman Stauber’s office, both Senators Smith and Klobuchar recommended our project to the appropriations committee- this could result in securing $5-8 million for this project!

While there’s still plenty of work to do in closing the funding gap, I am confident in the positive momentum behind this project and optimistic about what we can achieve. Thank you all once again for your continued support!