Mining: The economic anchor for Iron Range communities

Despite these challenges, mining continues to evolve and remains the most relevant economic factor on the Iron Range and within the Taconite Tax Relief regions.

The production tax that is paid by the mining industry in lieu of property taxes is the primary, if not the sole, revenue stream for the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

Our children experience excellence in education. Businesses and the service industries thrive. Employment opportunities, increased housing stock, expanded tax base, infrastructure improvements, and economic growth are not possible without mining.

There are opportunities on the horizon. New mining ventures and expansions of existing mines are critical to the long-term survival of our communities. PolyMet, Essar, United Taconite, USS Steel — Minntac, ArecelorMittal — Minorca, Hibbing Taconite, Mining Resources, Mesabi Nugget, U.S. Steel-Keetac, Northshore Mining, and Magnetation are primary contributors to our way of life.

Major changes are afoot. The most important challenge today is the reroute of U.S. Highway 53.

We have unwavering support from our local, county, and state representatives. There has also been opposition to this process from elected officials in metro Minnesota and from extreme environmental groups.

Environmental safeguards are in place. Unreasonable standards, regulatory impediments, and opposition that lack a factual basis are obstacles to a clear path toward economic growth.

Highway 53 is a U.S. highway that provides a direct route to an international border. The construction of a bridge across the abandoned Rouchleau Pit is a huge undertaking. The complex engineering and construction challenges are unique.

The reroute of U.S. Highway 53 is a critical component to not only the survival of the Quad Cities, but for the expansion of mining operations at Cliffs Natural Resources. The results are growth in mining operations, good paying jobs for future generations, tourism, and economic stability for our cities and townships.

Throughout the United States, there are industries that are the major contributors to the economy in their respective regions. Farming in southern Minnesota; technology centers in Minneapolis and St. Paul; health care conglomerates on the West Coast; computer and renewable energy companies in California; seafood fisheries on the East Coast; and cattle operations in Texas are a few examples of major economic contributors.

Ours is mining. A tradition that has provided good jobs, put food on our tables, helped shape the fabric of our communities, educated our children and provided employees with quality life skills.

Our communities and our ways of life were molded over the years and exist today largely because of mining. That is as true today as it was yesterday.

Mining in Northeastern Minnesota will continue to be a force in the future and the major economic engine that helps our communities grow and prosper.

With one voice we must support it. With one voice we must promote it. With one voice we must embrace it. And with one voice we must defend it.