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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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NEW STEEL PLANT NEAR NASHWAUK IS A GO
NEW STEEL PLANT NEAR NASHWAUK IS A GO
Indian Firm commits to $1.6 billion project
Years of hard work paid off for Rep. Loren Solberg, Rep. Tom Anzelc, and Sen. Tom Saxhaug on Thursday when they heard the news that Indian firm Essar Global has officially acquired the Minnesota Steel Industries and will move ahead with its plan to build a $1.6 billion taconite to steel mill near Nashwauk.
In September, these legislators were informed by Minnesota Steel that the project received the three necessary permits to move forward, and with this final announcement on Thursday, mining is making its long-awaited return to the Iron Range.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the news," said Solberg. "I have been personally working on this project for a long time now, and while I was confident all the hurdles had been cleared, it's great to know that the deal is done and soon the work can begin."
The Minnesota Steel project is expected to create 2 thousand construction jobs, as well as over 700 permanent, full-time jobs.
During the 2006 legislative session, Solberg and Saxhaug, 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, Solberg and Anzelc introduced legislation that would provide an additional $30 million for the proposed steel plant. This funding was lost when the Governor vetoed the bill, but Rep. Anzelc said he is committed to securing this funding during the next legislative session.
"The Governor's vetoes have been a barrier and his raiding of funds from the 21st Century Minerals Fund has been disappointing," said Anzelc. "However, what's important is that the deal is done, we will soon create thousands of new jobs in a region that needs the economic investment badly."
Sen. Tom Saxhaug said the construction could begin soon, "It looks like we can be start building the steel plant next year, and after years of plant closings and job layoffs, I couldn’t be happier for our region."
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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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