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A major renovation to the Babbitt Ice Arena is one step closer to reality thanks to legislation authored by Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL – Hermantown). The $1.5 million investment was secured through Hauschild’s Mineral Article in the 2024 Tax Omnibus bill passed last year. It was approved by the full Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Advisory Board as part of the $68.3 million budget.
“This is a huge win for Babbitt and the entire region,” said Hauschild. “I know what opportunities like this mean for our young people and our communities, not just for recreation, but as gathering places that bring people together. I’m proud that my legislation is helping make this long-overdue investment in Babbitt’s future a reality.”
In the 2024 Session, Hauschild chief authored the minerals article of the tax bill, which delivered property tax relief and targeted capital investments in the region. This included a 65% increase in the taconite homestead credit equal to $515 per year for every homestead in the Taconite Relief Area (TRA) and $80 million in targeted bonding authority, with oversight by the IRRRB.
