North/East briefs: Anoka County marks wrap-up of Rum River project

Anoka County leaders, residents and stakeholders recently marked the completion of a stabilization project on the Rum River that will reduce sediment and erosion problems.

The riverbank area, located in the Cedar Creek Conservation Area in Oak Grove, has been eroding at an average rate of about 6 inches a year. The erosion has deposited about 500,000 pounds of sediment into the river system, county leaders said. The completed project will reduce sediment entering the Rum River by about 449,000 pounds a year.

"Although this project has been quietly put together and completed, the impact is significant," said Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look. "The Rum River is a crucial corridor for water quality, habitat, recreation and the fishing we in Minnesota know and love, both upstream and down."

Karen Zamora

The reconstruction of Washington County's public works campus could cost $1 million less than the $20.8 million budgeted for it, engineers said recently.

The project, north of Stillwater, is scheduled for completion in November 2016.

An electrical fire and other safety hazards led to the decision to rebuild what's known as the North Shop, which is the center of the county's roads, parks and survey operations.

In addition to the North Shop construction, the project includes stormwater treatment improvements, a new sewer system, and a storage building to house Sheriff's Office vehicles.

Kevin Giles

Cottage Grove has purchased the vacant Home Depot property in a key part of the city that's headed for redevelopment.

The city's Economic Development Authority closed on the property, located in the Gateway North shopping district. The transfer of ownership "allows the city to move forward on the redevelopment of the Gateway North district," an official announcement said.

Work has gone on for nearly a decade to revitalize a tired-looking area that also serves as an entryway to Cottage Grove. Officials hope to recreate the area as "a lively and vital entrance to the city."

Blaine officials recently revived a grant program that helps businesses install sprinkler systems.

The Blaine Economic Development Authority unanimously approved $250,000 for the Blaine Fire Suppression Assistance Grant Program. The program, which requires a 50 percent match from the business recipient, awards funding to commercial and industrial buildings that must update their sprinkler systems to meet the state building code due to remodeling.

The city had a similar program from 2003 to 2012. Funding became available after the sale of city-owned senior housing apartments.

"By having sprinklers in these buildings it minimizes fire damage," said Bob Fiske, the city's fire marshal and community standards director. "The more sprinklers we have in the community, the safer it is for everybody — including firefighters."

Karen Zamora

Art lovers are being promised unique pieces from 12 local artists at the fair, which will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pieces will include paintings, fused glass art, landscapes, pottery and jewelry.

The park is an indoor area at 8595 Central Park Place. Questions can be directed to Chris Fleck, Woodbury recreation specialist, at 651-714-3586.

STAFF REPORT

Brooklyn Park and Champlin city officials will host an open house Thursday on proposed intersection improvements for a major corridor. Project plans call for an interchange at Hwy. 169 and 101st Avenue that could alleviate traffic concerns. The open house will be at Grace Fellowship Church, 8601 101st Av. N., Brooklyn Park, from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Brooklyn Park City Engineer Jeff Holstein at 763-493-8102.