Committee sought to shape future of Lake Superior coal ghost town

GRAND MARAIS — Residents of Cook or Lake counties are invited to participate on an advisory committee as the Cook County/Grand Marais Joint Economic Development Authority seeks to shape the future of Taconite Harbor.

The EDA is in the early stages of a strategic plan, after receiving a $200,000 state Energy Transitions grant, to redevelop a 172-acre former power plant.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 19, with the committee expected to meet twice per month through March 2026 beginning in October.

The Taconite Harbor coal-fired plant closed in 2016. Minnesota Power has owned the facility since 2001, but Cleveland-Cliffs also has a stake in the plant due to its rail access, dock facilities and switching station. Minnesota Power has taken the lead on the plant's deconstruction and decommissioning, which began in 2023.

The unincorporated community of Taconite Harbor emerged in the 1950s, established by the Erie Mining Co. to provide housing for its employees of the nearby taconite plant.

Taconite dust, noise pollution and layoffs contributed to the decline of the town, with the last resident moving out in 1988 and most buildings and homes being moved off by 1990.

"The site's topography, historical uses, limited utility access and joint private ownership present redevelopment and environmental challenges, but through informed research and a robust strategic planning process, Cook County hopes to position the site for future economic activity and recovery from past closures," stated the EDA in its application for the Community Energy Transition Grant.

Contributed

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Cook County Economic Development Authority