A sizable crowd of residents and dignitaries gathered on Monday to break ground for the Multi-Modal Trailhead facility in Silver Bay. Mayor Wade LeBlanc thanked a long list of city residents, council members, city staff and State legislators past and present for their persistent work over the past 7 years to bring the Trailhead Center from the drawing board to a reality. LeBlanc reminded those gathered for the event that the Trailhead Center was not just a tourist attraction, but was something for all the residents of Silver Bay to enjoy.
Pete Stauber was on hand and spoke about the Trailhead Center as “a great opportunity to celebrate Northern Minnesota, the Iron Range and Silver Bay”. He lauded the $900,000 that came from the Transportation Alternatives Program that was enacted shortly after President Biden took office in 2021 and stated that the Trailhead Center would help bring economic opportunity to the area.
State Senator Grant Hauschild spoke about the fact that making investments in outdoor opportunities and recreation in Minnesota is a win for everyone. He acknowledged the many challenges that Minnesotans have faced recently from wildfire smoke, flash floods, lack of snow in winter and other barriers that have had negative economic impacts on communities. “Time and time again, when we face these challenges here in Minnesota, we make sure to look out for one another”, Hauschild said.
State Representative Roger Skraba and State Senator Keri Heintzeman also spoke at the event, acknowledging the efforts of people who worked to make the Trailhead Center a reality.
The $5.3 million Multi-Modal Trailhead Center will help showcase the many recreational activities that Northern Minnesota and Silver Bay have to offer.
Congratulations to the City Council, the citizens of Silver Bay, City and County Commissioners, elected State officials and all the folks who worked on design, worked to secure funding, and who will be working to build the Center. The target date for completion of the project is June of 2026.
