Cravaack introduces legislation to permit road construction in Grand Marais

To address Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure needs, U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack has introduced H.R. 2947, which would allow Cook County to move forward on a transportation construction project that has been in development for a decade while waiting for Congressional action to end the federal restrictions. 
 
Specifically, H.R. 2947 would require the Secretary of Agriculture to release Minnesota from the conditions imposed on it relative to a parcel of land in Cook County intended to be used to expand the Grand Marais-Cook County Airport.  Cravaack said the airport never used the land, but the federal restrictions on how the land could be developed remained.  This prevented the land from being allocated for any other use.  

“By passing H.R. 2947, Congress will enable the Cook County Highway Department to purchase the final piece of right-of-way, from the Cook County Airport, for the reconstruction of Co. Hwy 8 (Devil Track Road),” said county highway engineer David Betts.

“This bill will benefit the residents and visitors of Cook County by allowing the highway department to improve the safety and ride quality of this heavily traveled roadway.  Rep. Cravaack and his staff have been very helpful to Cook County while we try to resolve this unusual issue.”