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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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MINNESOTA STEEL INDUSTRIES MOVES ANOTHER STEP CLOSER
State Representatives Loren Solberg (DFL-Grand Rapids) and Tom Anzelc (DFL-) were pleased to learn that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Minnesota Steel Industries' proposal for an open pit taconite mine near Nashwauk has been completed and released.
The EIS, which is prepared jointly by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is now open for a 45-day public review and comment period. The DNR invites input from the public about the project, specifically regarding issues that may need to be addressed.
The review process officially began on Monday, February 12th, and ends on Monday, April 2nd. The DNR will hold a public informational meeting on Wednesday, March 14, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Nashwauk High School. Once the review process ends, any concerns that have been brought forward will be addressed.
"Each phase in this project is taking us one step closer to a more secure economic future for our region," said Anzelc. "After years of plant closings, job layoffs and economic struggles, we may finally be looking at a more secure economic future for the region."
"The release of the EIS gives a good signal to the financial community that this project is sound and progressing," said Solberg.
Minnesota Steel Industries announced in early 2005 their intention to build a new taconite/direct reduced iron/slab steel mill near Nashwauk. The new plant would produce about 2.5 million tons of steel a year, creating over 700 good paying, full-time jobs, as well as up to two thousand construction jobs.
During the 2006 legislative session, Rep. Solberg helped secure $12 million for the project as part of the Capital Investment Bill. Last December, a significant land exchange was approved that allowed UPM Blandin to transfer ownership of land needed for the Minnesota Steel project to Itasca County, and this January, Anzelc and Solberg introduced legislation that would provide an additional $30 million for the proposed steel plant. The beginning of the DNR review process signifies another benchmark in the forward progress of the Minnesota Steel project.
Both Solberg and Anzelc said they are pleased the DNR made this project a priority and are confident that any environmental concerns that come up during this review process will be quickly resolved.
"There has been good cooperation and timeliness by all parties involved every step of the way," said Anzelc.
"Nashwauk was the first mining town in Itasca County," said Solberg. "This project not only marks a return to that rich tradition but provides a much needed economic boost to the northland."
News Items
- STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANZELC APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE - (Posted: Dec 21 2012 12:00AM)
- Rep. Tom Anzelc participates in Governor Dayton’s “Working for Minnesota Jobs” discussion with Essar Steel and Magnetation - (Posted: 2012-10-03 00:00:00)
- REP. ANZELC: DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE PROVIDES DESPERATELY NEEDED STATE AID - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
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