(Area dignitaries join in a sod-turning ceremony for the start of waterfront development in International Falls)The first phase of waterfront development on the American side of Rainy River was kicked off Saturday.
The project will include new head office for Voyageur's National Park and an amphitheatre to be named in honour of the late Irv Anderson, a long-time Minnesota house representative for the area.
International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason says Anderson's dream of telling the story of the Voyageur is being realized.
"And he had a dream to build the Voyageur Heritage Centre," says Mason, "and believe it not his dream location was right here."
Park superintendent Mike Ward says the project is the start of a new relationship between the park and the city.
"This is a wonderful day for Voyageurs and for International Falls," says Ward. "I look forward to celebrating the ribbon-cutting of the new building and any of the other wonderful ideas we can come up with to ensure that the park and the community co-exist in a great way."
A deal between the city of International Falls and U.S. government will see the $11.5 million project built without the need for local taxpayer dollars.
