Cold Weather testing facility in International Falls/File photo
Another cold-weather testing facility is being proposed for the International Falls area.
Koochiching Economic Development Authority’s Paul Nevanan says a former employee with Jaguar-Land Rover is behind the project.
“This will be a seasonal endeavor but it will represent a significant investment, over $1.5 million just to get the facility operational. There will be at least for now fives seasonal jobs” says Nevanan.
Nevanan says the proponent is now going through the zoning process for land near Littlefork. A 290-acre parcel of land near the junction of Highway 71 and County Road 79 is currently zoned agricultural.
“I think it represents a significant opportunity investment within the County because of the size of the parcel needed for the type of activity there.”
Nevanan doesn’t see it having a negative impact on facilities in International Falls.
“What I like about it is it complements the existing testing that we’re doing here but it doesn’t compete because it’s a different type – more of dynamic testing – brakes, ABS, adaptive cruise control, that kind of stuff.
Pending zoning approval from Koochiching County, construction could begin as early as this fall.
