If your property was affected by the wildfires in May, find resources and information on relevant county services here: 2025 Spring Wildfires

Legislative Priorities

 
 
St. Louis County encompasses abundant natural resources, culture and history, and people. We work hard to serve our residents, and to preserve all the rest. This is clear in our bonding requests and other legislative priorities.






Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus - Canyon

Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus

Legislative Request: $6M 

County Match: $6M

St. Louis County's Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus aligns with the State's goal to protect ecosystem health, remediate PFAS (Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) contaminated sites, and manage PFAS in waste by constructing an advanced leachate treatment facility in Canyon that will provide a solution for the entire Northeast region. This new facility will serve as a repository for leachate generated by landfills within the region as well as consolidate old landfills and dumps into a lined facility to contain PFAS-contaminated waste.

What is PFAS?

PFAS is a large family of man-made chemicals that are forever present in the environment due to frequent use since the 1930s. At certain levels they are toxic--causing adverse health effects in humans, fish, and wildlife.

Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus

St. Louis County Closed Dumps and Landfills Interactive Map

Historic Courthouse Asset Preservation

Historic Courthouse Asset Renovation - St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth & St. Louis County Courthouse in Hibbing

Legislative Request: $2M

County Match: $2M

St. Louis County is home to two historic courthouses in need of critical infrastructure improvements.  Improvements are essential for both historic preservation and to improve the accessibility, functionality, and energy efficiency of buildings that support essential county services.

St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth 

The St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth, originally built in 1909, maintains its original elevators, which have reached the end of their useful life. The elevators require a complete rebuild to ensure life safety, energy efficiency, and extend the useful life of the building. The elevators are critical to the functionality of the building and providing accessibility to County residents who utilize the building and services.

St. Louis County Courthouse in Hibbing

A roof replacement at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Hibbing will meet Minnesota Building Energy Code requirements, improve the energy efficiency of the building, and extend the building’s useful life.

 

Scandia Cemetary Erosion - Duluth

The Problem: 
Scandia Cemetery is a privately owned cemetery located overlooking the shore of Lake Superior. In recent months, erosion from the Great Lake has uncovered human remains and left numerous other graves precariously close to the edge. The cemetery dates back to 1881. Its association does not have the means to address the issue. Recognizing that immediate action is needed, St. Louis County has stepped up to address the concern in a permanent way. 

Map of Scandia Cemetery and Proposed Retaining Wall

The Solution: 

  • Construct a permanent concrete retaining wall. 
  • Stabilize Lake Superior shoreline.
  • Construct an access road for future maintenance and operation needs.

Project Benefits: 

  • Permanent solution of the shoreline erosion.
  • Does not require disinterment of remains.
  • Preserves the cemetery and provides the most respectful option for families with loved ones buried here.
Legislative Request: $2.3 Mil
 

Progress Parkway - Eveleth

The Problem: Currently, the Rock Ridge High School and Laurentian Elementary School campuses are only accessible via US 53 and Progress Parkway. This leads to hazardous traffic congestion at the intersection, especially during peak pick-up/drop-off times.  

The Solution:  

  • A new 1.42 mile County State Aid Highway to connect MNTH 37 and US 53 in the City of Eveleth 
  • New Roundabout at the intersection of Progress Parkway and Wolverine Way 
  • 3- Lane Cross Section to accommodate future economic development. 
  • Dedicated ped/bike trail on the west side of the corridor. 
  • Dedicated ATV/snowmobile trail on the east side of the corridor.

State funding is needed to make this project a reality. The project holds great importance as it will play a crucial role in utilizing the newly received Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation grant for the development of utilities within Eveleth’s business park situated along Progress Parkway.  


Legislative Request= $8 Mil 
Total Project Cost = $22.6 Mil 
Funding Committed to Date = $14.6 Mil 

Progress Parkway 

Additional Projects St. Louis County Supports

  • $8M - Union Gospel Mission’s Mission Engagement Center & full funding for Housing Infrastructure Bonds for the Mission Heights Permanent Supportive Housing project 
  • $7M - Ash River Wastewater Treatment and Collection System
  • $14M - Duluth Airport Authority’s federal match request for a new traffic control tower
  • Northern Lights Express (NLX) - support of MN Dept of Transportation’s federal request
  • University of MN Medical School - support expansion to a four-year program in the Duluth Regional Exchange District
  • Support for Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce for Funding Requests for Replacement of Aircraft Maintenance Shelters at 148th Fighter Wing 

CONTACT

Julie Marinucci
Deputy County Administrator - Citizen Services & Intergovernmental


218-312-8006
Email