www.ramsmun.org

RAMS announces a new website dedicated to broadband. Information, news about projects in our region, topical information and more.  Click on the tab on the RAMS website (broadband) or connect directly via: broadband.ramsmn.org…Enjoy this one stop location for regional broadband info.

Range Association of Municipalities & Schools – RAMS
Summertime …news 

 A nice stringer of 18″ walleyes caught in Nungesser River.

MESABI METTALICS & RUMORS….
Rumors have been circulating non-stop about this project in Nashwauk.  Some of those rumors have been disparaging to RAMS claiming that our organization was interfering or impeding the possible pathway to completion of the mine project.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  RAMS as an organization has done nothing more than ask Governor Walz for a meeting to discuss the status of the project. The RAMS board of directors has not taken any position, but asked to be kept informed by going to the actual people who should know the facts on the mine project.  Unfortunately, Governor Walz has declined our invitation for a meeting, but has agreed to have his staff and members of the DNR continue to share information via conference calls with local elected officials, the Range delegation and RAMS as well as members of the WMMPB.

As an organization, RAMS also hosts meetings with the Iron Range Mayors.  This group of elected officials is independent of RAMS and has the ability to take positions on issues of local interest and is another means of communicating with the Governor and other high ranking officials.  In February, the mayors sent a letter to Governor Walz asking for a meeting to discuss this project.  The Range mayors also indicated to the Governor that they preferred Essar not be involved in the project and they did not want leases extended.  .

RAMS has been supportive of this mining project for well over a decade.  Ron Dicklich, former RAMS Director was one of the people originally involved in the development of the concept and marketing the project to area mining companies. RAMS recognizes the potential long term economic benefit of this mining project and the inclusion of “added value” HBI pellets and electric arc furnaces located on the Range.  Unfortunately, Essar Steele did us no favors with their management of the project, bankruptcy, change in ownership, delays, non-payment to contractors and broken promises time and time again.

Tom Clarke seemed to be our savior, and he turned out to be less than forthright with his promises and supposed finances.  Last November at a public meeting at the Nashwauk Township Hall, Gary Heasley promised major construction would begin in March with financing from Mercuria and that has turned out to be another broken promise.

Now Essar is back making surprise visits to the mine site and seeking extensions from the DNR on leases and permits.  As clearly stated by Jess Richards  (conference call on June 12) from the DNR,” Essar holds no leases or permits at the mine site.  Mesabi Metallics holds the contracts and that is who the state will deal with and the debarment of Essar is still before the Dept. of Administration”.

If anyone wants to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me or the president of RAMS, Pat Medure.  ONE RANGE –ONE VOICE = SUCCESS.

ENJOY THE 4^TH OF JULY …LOOK FOR A RAMS LUNCH AND LEARN LATER IN JULY.

 

2019 NEWEST MEMBERS TO JOIN RAMS:

Balkan Township – Thanks to Peter Clevenstine
City of Eveleth – Thanks Mayor Bob Vlaisavljecich
City of Cook – Thanks Mayor Harold Johnston

The Range Association of Municipalities & Schools is always looking to add to the membership base.  The RAMS motto: “ONE RANGE – ONE VOICE” becomes even stronger with every new member.  Already in 2019, RAMS has been pleased to announce the addition of 3 new Corporate Members:
Colosimo, Patchin, Kearney & Brunfelt LTD. – Thanks Mitch Brunfelt
Komatsu Mining Corp.   – Thanks John Ward
ICS Consulting  – Thanks Jeff Schiltz

RAMS is grateful to the continued, growing support of our regional business community.  RAMS is grateful to these companies for their support and membership, and encourages your community, or business to consider becoming a member.  Contact Steve at:  sgiorg@ramsmn.org for more information.

Fostering economic development across Minnesota’s Iron Range

One Range… One Voice

Ensuring the voices of our Range cities, townships, and schools will be heard on the issues of economic enhancement and quality of life.

Serving Cities, Townships and Schools since 1939.

The Range Association of Municipalities & Schools (RAMS) was created in 1939 by the joining together of the Range Civic Association and the Range Municipalities Committee to promote legislation beneficial to its membership.
The main function of RAMS is to monitor proposed State and Federal legislation and determine how it may affect Association member units of government. The Range Association of Municipalities & Schools (RAMS) works closely with the Iron Range Delegation, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) , and area economic development entities to further community development and quality of life for all member units.

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Charles Baribeau – Virginia City Council & RAMS Vice President

RAMS as an organization advocates for issues of regional importance, such as modifying the wild rice/sulfate standard to afford local municipalities an affordable treatment process based on science with proven results.  RAMS supports allowing mining exploration and submission of a mine plan that shall then be reviewed by the EPA, MPCA, DNR, and must meet or exceed environmental standards before being permitted.  This should apply to precious mineral mining not just iron ore mining.  RAMS also advocates and supports collaboration by school districts on the Range to truly enhance educational experiences and opportunities for generations of Rangers to provide them a pathway to successful and prosperous futures.