AURORA — The city of Aurora is set to receive $15 million to develop an industrial site intended to attract a manufacturer.
The funds were approved unanimously Wednesday, Dec. 7, by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
The plan calls for installing utilities and other infrastructure to set up 80 acres of land for future development, funded by a $9 million grant. And the other $6 million is a loan to the city’s economic development authority to construct a spec building to be leased to a future manufacturing tenant.
Janelle Greschner, director of business recruitment for the IRRR, said businesses are already interested in the planned industrial park in a city with very few manufacturing jobs.
"Locating a new business will not only attract new tax base, it will increase the number of highly skilled, talented individuals from out of the area to live and thrive in the community."
Minnesota DFL Rep. Dave Lislegard of Aurora, who sits on the IRRR Board, said the investment is an impactful one for the city. He noted the closure of LTV Steel Mining Co. in 2001 and the struggle since for economic development in Aurora.
"We can't continue to wait — we need to move forward with this agency and their commitment with the city and the East Range," Lislegard said. "This is really a big deal for northeast Minnesota."
The $15 million awarded to Aurora was part of $33 million in economic development funding across northeast Minnesota.
The IRRR is funded through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry.
-
Graphic/KAXEKAXE's online guide features candidates at all levels who will be on Northern MN ballots. Free, printable PDFs of guides covering statewide races and local races in Aitkin, Beltrami and Itasca counties are available now. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new releases from Danielle Ponder, Jake Blount, Sampa The Great, Jeremy Messersmith, Star Moles and The Decemberists. Then, Everybody Loves The Pick from '76. -
Lorie ShaullThe agreement between the city and Pulsar Helium is the first step for the proposed facility that Pulsar says could kickstart a new advanced manufacturing industry in the state. -
Contributed/Center for Rural Affairs and Tribal Business News via Minnesota News ConnectionThe Public Utilities Commission directed Minnesota Valley to stop unlawful disconnection threats to the Upper Sioux Community over its behind-the-meter energy project. -
Contributed/Jerry BrademanGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from longtime Back Porch Harmony host and volunteer, Jerry Brademan. -
Family memories, farming education and Minnesota’s first “crannonball” make for a fruitful day at the Minnesota Cranberry Co.’s harvest. -
Minnesotans across the state will have a constitutional amendment on their ballots asking to increase the yearly allotment from the Permanent School Fund. For some, the measure is 20 years in the making.
-
Plus: Beltrami County officials tour the under-construction jail facility slated to open in May 2027.
-
Contributed/Tom PageAn open community jam in September 2026 was centered around the history and legacy of four families in Grand Rapids with deep musical ties to the area. -
Contributed/M StateThe closure announcement comes as the Minnesota State system announces plans to "right size" its operations over 50 campuses amid financial challenges.
