Iron Range Boom Times Ahead?

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Actually, most kids want to go away for college so going to the neighboring town isn't quite the same thing. Kids from the Iron Range go to school in St. Paul or wherever to get away from home, not that they don't like it there, they just want to get away for school.

Yup. That's why my wife went to a state university far away from Duluth, and why I went to one far away from the Twin Cities. But not *too* far away.

[aecp]

Originally Posted by MidniteBreeze

I still think the area could support at least one more institution. You have to keep in mind that much of the student population at BSU, UMD, etc. isn't locals, it's kids from the cities taking advantage of an opportunity to live "up north" for a few years without having to worry about the "real world" economics of living here. I think having another 4-year choice even closer to home would encourage more young people from this area to go beyond a 2-year degree. To some of these kids from the REALLY small, far-flung towns up here, even cities the size of Duluth and Fargo-Moorhead can be intimidating (that might sound funny to some of you, but it's true!)

Yes, BSU is one option, but given the projected growth of the Iron Range area, I think it would be the perfect time to start (and establish, for the future) another 4-year educational choice in northern Minnesota.

I agree completley. Well said.

[blessteve]

Hopefully the boom doesn't happen until we buy our property up
there.
I think the boom may take awhile just to get back up to stable
let alone a boom. But there are lots of parts of America right now in the same boat.
Mining has been shrinking for years and the timber industry hit the floor and that is steak and potatoes for that region.
A boom may cause the place to loose some of it's appeal for folks like me.

[nick is rulz]

I think a boom in the Iron Range has been predicted on and off for the past 15-20 years. Its unlikely it'll happen.

[rsusanb]

I do not beleive that creating another institution on the Range is the answer to stablizing and or creating a new economy. However, through programs such as the Arrowhead University, which collaborates with schools such as Bemidji State and Mesabi Tech, those that choose to stay and finish their undergrad degrees are able to do so. An extension of programs such as these would be a much more feasable way in which to help those that wish to remain on the Range continue their education. The Iron Range needs a real industry in order to keep graduates here. All of the money jobs in Minnesota are located in Minneapolis and everyone knows that. Keeping the Taconite Tax relief monies on the Iron Range would help the economy immensely. I hate to say this, but even those people that grew up on the Iron range and then converted to the cites look to this area as a playground for those that "work" so hard in Minneapolis. The Iron Range has it's own population of hard working people that deserve just as much respect and a chance for opportunities that usually are reserved for those that live within the bigger ciites. Keeping money made on the range would be a very big step in this direction.

[newcastle]

I know they use the Taconite tax monies to help keep local schools operating and reduce property taxes.

Anyway, the paper today talked about 6 different big projects on the way crerating over 7000 construction jobs and 2500 permanent jobs. The range of minerals being mined would also move beyon iron ore and include nickel, platinum and other high demand metals. I think that would begin to stabalize the region from the ups and downs of the steel industry.

I agree that more than one mainstay industry has to develop to truly bring stability to this region. Just what that new industry is, I have no idea.

[ElGringoLoco]

As I've said on another post, being solely reliant on the mines and big box stores to engage the community and economy is not the right way of thinking. The Iron Range needs to build it's economic base first because students working toward their undergrad degrees will only have to take a quick look around and see the minimal choices that the Range has for it's economy and pick Duluth for a better selection for 4 years of their lives. A 4 year university is not the answer or solution at this point in time, creating new jobs and businesses is the solution to keeping people there. How many times can you eat at Zimmy's before you crave something new and fresh?

[Dr.drew]

Originally Posted by golfgal

This is why there isn't a 4 year college on the Iron Range. Bemidji is also only a couple hours away too. There are plenty of opportunities for the population size in the northern part of the state.

Yeah, Bemidji State University. And how many four-year universities are there in the Duluth / Superior area? There are probably enough schools in the area, although the Iron Range would be a good location for a school. It would create new jobs, and bring in new young people who would be up here for 4 years, renting, and spending what little disposable income that college kids have.