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While still not a “done deal,” prospects for a workforce housing project in Ely are much better now than they were only two weeks ago.
That’s thanks to a $3.7 million allocation from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board approved May 29.
The IRRRB funds would fill a significant funding gap in an effort to advance a $9.6 million project.
But plans still hinge on a $1.5 million award from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s Workforce Housing Development Program. Those monies could be secured yet this summer and would complete a long effort to secure money for a project that has been a high priority for Ely officials.
“We are still awaiting Minnesota Housing’s award of an anticipated $1.5 million in workforce housing funding in August,” city clerk-treasurer and operations director Harold Langowski said Wednesday.
And as they wait, city officials are working on other fronts on “Wilderness Escape,” a planned 37unit, three-story, market-rate workforce housing project near Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital.
“We will be continuing to work on the remaining financing required on the project with St. Louis County,” said Langowski. “ We would anticipate finalizing the design and plans in late summer and possibly starting infrastructure work this fall.”
The IRRRB had already previously allocated $850,000 for the project, and the award approved by board members closes the funding gap further. Other funds include cash equity of $350,000 from the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority and a $3.2 million mortgage taken by the HRA.
Coombe added that A is for accountability and challenged the graduates to “be accountable, own up to your mistakes and be the type of teammate or work colleague you would want to have.”
R, according to Coombe, stands for reputation and respect.
“Reputation, we only have one,” said Coombe. “Nurture it, guard it with your lives.”
Coombe urged the graduates to treat others with respect and kindness.
“You’ll find that it feels good, it feels really good, to do something nice for someone else,” said Coombe.
He added that TY is for thank you.
“If you haven’t done so already, start soon by saying thank you to those who made this day possible for you,” said Coombe, referring to teachers, parents, extended family members and others.
Earlier, senior Carena De-Beltz spoke on behalf of the graduating class and shared memories of the group’s 13year journey through the Ely school system.
DeBeltz was also named valedictorian of the Class of 2025, while Milo McClelland was named salutatorian.
Those recognized as honor students include De-Beltz, McClelland, Noah Anderson, Caid Chittum, Max Cochran, Anna Dunn, Mishaben Goswami, Presley Hudson, Tory Hughley, Rena Johnson, Maija Mattson, Wyatt Mattson, Janae Murphy, Lillian Rechichi, Chloyann Ridings, Garrett Rohr, Ava Sundell and Clare Thomas.
The honor students were part of a group that collected over $140,000 in scholarships earlier this month at the school’s awards day. Approximately 90 scholarship winners were announced during a ceremony at Washington Auditorium.
Both the pop choir and high school band performed at the ceremony, held before several hundred people at the auditorium.
Assistant Principal Jeff Carey presented the class to superintendent Anne Oelke, board chairperson Rochelle Sjoberg and board member Jen Westlund handed out diplomas.
After the ceremony, class members returned to the school for the annual allnight graduation party.
