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OUR VIEW: The right move again

The Journal - 6/10/2017

A hearing Wednesday about the Island View sewer extension deserves attention from property owners and businesses along the proposed route.

The project is critical for development, tourism and most importantly the environment.

The Island View project is a part of the larger Voyageurs National Park Clean Water Project, which aims to improve water quality by finding long-term wastewater treatment solutions.

Maintaining and improving the water quality around Minnesota's only national park is important for a variety of reasons, among them keeping the flora and fauna that draw visitors to Borderland healthy.

But just as important is the value of the project to the residents who will benefit from it directly, as well as the community at large. While we understand there may be some who feel assessments to their property for the sewer connection are a financial hardship, we urge them to think about the future - of this community, of Rainy Lake, and of their homes. All will be improved in value with the sewer extension.

A byproduct of the Island View and larger VNP Clean Water Project will be creation of construction jobs, which will give a boost to the area.

We think back to the first sewer extension more than 10 years ago that brought sewer collection service to the Jackfish Bay area of Rainy Lake. That earlier project came with concerns, questions and anger by some.

It was the right move then, it's the right move forward now.

We urge area residents to get involved by attending Wednesday's meeting where the project and its financial implications will be discussed and important questions answered.