Great Lakes Article:

McQuade project would harm Duluth

03/05/2002

The latest DNR-proposed lease draft of Duluth land to obtain the Congdon  Trust Property at McQuade Road is not adequate. If signed, Duluth would  ultimately find itself mired in financial obligations it doesn't want and  certainly can't afford. The City Council, despite DNR promises to the  contrary, must not fall into this trap.

The lease gives the state sole power over the McQuade project. The DNR's  only obligation is to pass on information to the city. If Duluth signs, it  will have no control over the project.

The mayor is rushing the council to sign the lease by his comments that the  state has begun the condemnation process. He has not shown the evidence.

Evidence to the contrary is that the DNR has eliminated McQuade's latest  funding and Gov. Jesse Ventura is not supporting McQuade in the bonding  bill.

The lease states that the DNR will erect a sign stating that McQuade access  is "cooperatively provided.'' Local projects are supported locally -- Duluth  will be pressured to help secure millions in dollars, even though the lease  makes it explicit that there is no local control of the project. Both the  DNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agree that McQuade will cost $7.5  million to $8 million.

At a time when legitimate local projects are in need of money, this  staggering amount cannot be raised without important Duluth needs being  compromised.

The lease has no provision for repair of breakwalls when they are damaged by  storms. This cost will be phenomenal.

McQuade is again on the City Council's agenda concerning the lease.

We all know this is a controversial project. The task is to convince city  councilors. They must be fiscally responsible, and we all need to realize  that there is no free lunch.

CLYDE AND KAREN RITCHIE

DULUTH