Ida Rukavina
Executive Director
Phone: 218-235-0029
Email: idarukavina@ramsmn.org

Hwy 53 bridge Nov 2016 photo by F Luomanen

2016 Press conference on US Forest Service - Virginia, MN

DC delegation on land withdrawal 2017

RAMS hearing 1940

Cuyuna

Tom Rukavina at rally prior to MPCA hearing at MCC

Mayor Rick Cannata Wild RIce/Sulfate rally

Itasca Ski Hill

Kawishiwi Falls - Ely MN photo by Adrian Koski 2016

Pike Bay Marina Lake Vermilion

RAMS delegation with Senator Klobuchar

Moon over Queen City photo created by Matt Herberg

New bridge at night photo by P Pluswick

Range Officials with Congressman Stauber

Events


RAMS MEETINGS:

This Friday- informational Mainstreet Revitalization grant meeting with the Northland Foundation– In person options or via Zoom

Friday, Jan. 21 (Virtual and in-person options)

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Virtual: Join this virtual meeting via Zoom, no pre-registration needed.

In-person: Pre-register by email to Michael at Northland Foundation.

Meeting location:

Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS)

5525 Emerald Ave

Mountain Iron, MN 55768

Learn more about the state of Minnesota’s Main Street Revitalization Program.

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS IMPACTING MINNESOTA’S IRON RANGE

MEETING AND WEBINAR

Wednesday, January 26th 12:00 pm-1:15 pm

Special Guest- Susan Brower, MN State Demographer

Call our office to register to attend in person or join via Zoom at:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2322588835

Meeting ID: 232 258 8835

The next RAMS board meeting will be on Thursday, January 27th at 6:00 pm.

To Attend Via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/232258883

Meeting ID: 232 258 8835

 

OTHER EVENTS:  

Grant money available to local communities for main street revitalization

Northland Foundation is seeking input from northeastern Minnesota communities that are interested in being part of a Main Street Revitalization Program. Northland could serve as the fiscal agent on behalf of area communities to tap into a second round of statewide funds being made available for projects in the region. If awarded a grant from the state, Northland Foundation could offer grants or guaranteed loans to area communities to cover a significant portion of the project costs related to:

  • Repair or renovation of real property.
  • Building construction.
  • Landscaping and streetscaping.
  • Demolition and site preparation.
  • Predesign and design.
  • Engineering.
  • Infrastructure.
  • Related site amenities.

Qualifying conditions within communities include but are not limited to:

  • Major plant closures, significant commercial vacancy increases, and/or loss of economic anchor institutions.
  • COVID-19 impacts on travel, tourism, retail and accommodation.
  • Widespread property damage due to fire, flood, arson, civil unrest and/or natural disasters.

 

Regional Success Story: Virginia Community Foundation applied in the first round of funding and was awarded $1,794,100. The foundation will in turn provide grants to businesses in the commercial corridors of the city of Virginia to support economic recovery from widespread damage due to fire and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Informational Sessions

If you are a local elected official, member of a EDA or other community organization, please attend one of two sessions this month to explore being a part of the second round of Main Street Revitalization grant funding. Northland Foundation is eager to help area communities tap into this funding.

Wednesday, Jan. 19 (Virtual option only)

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Join this virtual meeting via Zoom, no pre-registration needed.