By-Pass Alternative Proposed

The city of International Falls has put forward a proposal aimed to stopping a proposed by-pass.

The city wants Koochiching County to join forces in seeking federal funding for a road to the Foreign Trade Zone, rather than for the by-pass.

City lawyer Joe Boyle says that road would have more benefits locally.

"The road to the Foreign Trade Zone will improve this community's economic future," says Boyle, "which according to KEDA (Koochiching Economic Development Authority) the area in the Foreign Trade Zone is the second busiest rail port in the United States."

Boyle says seeking federal help for that road is something neither side has considered.