EVELETH, Minn. – Today, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Commissioner Mark Phillips approved a $250,000 grant to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Funds will be used toward a new water tower to serve the communities of Mahnomen and Brookston.
State Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), chair of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, agreed with the decision.
“I’m proud that we are able to move forward with this important infrastructure request for the residents of Brookston. It meets the agency guidelines and aligns with our mission and vision to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in Northeastern Minnesota,” he said. “Clean drinking water is important to both the health of individuals and the community. I am glad we were able to address this in a timely fashion.”
A funding request for the project was originally presented at the June 10 IRRRB meeting but was tabled pending a request for further information.
“Crossing our ‘T’s’ and dotting our ‘I’s’ is an important aspect of public service. I’m glad that the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation staff was able to promptly answer board member questions and clarify that this was an eligible project for agency funding,” Rep. Ecklund added. “As board chair, after consulting with my board members I am happy to see that Commissioner Phillips is moving the project forward.”
The first phase of the project is $1.3 million and includes the construction of the water tower. The total project cost for all phases of the water treatment system is $11.93 million.