Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Industrial Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
HRA hears industrial‑park update; board agrees to consult county engineer on access and rail crossing options
Summary
Staff described progress on a proposed industrial site including potential rail spur, utility availability, and a prospective business; the board asked staff to consult the county highway engineer and pursue preliminary designs and funding options.
The Hubbard County HRA received an update on a proposed industrial park site and agreed by consensus to ask the county highway engineer about steps for a preliminary roadway and rail‑crossing design.
Mary, HRA director, reviewed outreach with Burlington Northern regarding a potential rail spur and with utility providers about natural gas and electric service. She said Burlington Northern raised concern about multiple nearby road/rail crossings and suggested the project likely would require consolidating crossings and upgrading at least one crossing with gates and arms. “He counted 3 rail crossings within the 3 roads…you’re gonna have to give 2 of those up,” Mary said.
Mary also reported preliminary conversations with Minnesota Energy about a nearby pipeline stub that could be extended if sufficient demand materializes and with electric providers (Minn Kota, Otter Tail and Beltrami Electric) about power capacity. She said staff had submitted the site to a national site‑selection process and had a company actively pursuing the location; the prospective business may sell excess on‑site generation back to the grid if interconnection is available.
Board members asked about the implications of removing crossings, possible road abandonment and impacts on township roads and property access. Mary said much of the land between the tracks and the proposed development is tax‑forfeit and noted township concerns about protecting park access; the board emphasized the need to consult township officials and the county highway engineer.
The HRA agreed by consensus to talk with the county highway engineer, determine the steps and likely costs for a preliminary design and identify funding sources for roadway and crossing improvements before making a formal funding decision. Mary said the county or townships would likely expect the HRA to cover project design costs if an outside firm is recommended.
No motion or ordinance was adopted; the item was a staff update and a staff‑direction consensus to scope the project further.
