Economic Development

Public comment on Hermantown's environmental review for "light industrial development" is open through Sept. 30, 2025. The Star Tribune reports the project is a data center.

The Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation put on the gathering of local leaders, and speakers highlighted challenges and hopes for the future.

The Council heard a proposal to bring in the industry and 150 jobs after the Shade Store closed manufacturing operations in 2025. But the cannabis ordinance would need changes.

The Cook County/Grand Marais Joint Economic Development Authority is seeking 12-15 members from Cook and Lake counties to serve on an advisory committee for the Taconite Harbor Redevelopment Project.

The program from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation offers funds for facility upgrades and improvements. Applications close Sept. 14, 2025.

The state's Department of Employment and Economic Development announced the award from the Job Creation Fund to the West Fraser OSB mill west of Bemidji.

Two projects broke ground in mid-August 2025, with another underway and at least four more in the works.

Floodwood, Virginia and Two Harbors will use the Department of Employment and Economic Development funds to assess and clean up sites for private redevelopment.

Almost 20 years after the project began, Mesabi Metallics says production could start next year for the first new mine on the Iron Range in decades.

Plus: Second Harvest food bank shutters Grand Rapids warehouse but maintains food shelf will remain open.