A busy meeting for the IRRRB on Tuesday, and it could be the final one of the year for them.

An estimated $65.8 million in projects were reviewed that are expected to grow existing businesses, modernize public works and infrastructure, and expand broadband, child care, healthcare, housing, outdoor recreation and mining.

Funding was made available to enhance the engineering, nursing and welding programs on local college campuses; to research the feasibility of Minnesota’s green iron industry; and, to mitigate damage on the East Range caused by the June 2024 flooding.

Plus, they approved the sale of nearly $40 million in bonding money, to pay for 14 different projects across the region. One is the expansion of the emergency department at Essentia Health-Virginia. Another is the water line replacement work in Hibbing.

Stakeholders presented at the meeting on Tuesday, per the legislation.

The board also OK’d over $8 million dollars in taconite tax rebate dollars for the six mines.

Commissioner Ida Rukavina also thanked retiring staff for their combined 185 years of service, and outgoing lawmaker Rep. Dave Lislegard.