Washington, D.C.  – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved H.R. 2947, legislation which would allow Cook County to move forward with a project that has been in development for years while waiting for Congressional action to end the federal restrictions.

Specifically, H.R. 2947 would require the Secretary of Agriculture to release Minnesota from the conditions imposed on it relative to a parcel of land in Cook County intended to be used for the Grand Marais-Cook County Airport.  The airport never utilized the land, but the federal restrictions on how the land could be developed remained.  This prevented the land from being allocated for any other use.

“This straight forward, common sense bill will remedy an unintentional consequence of restrictive language in the original deed to Cook County.  I look forward to quickly remedying this problem so that Cook County can create jobs and improve the lives of its residents and businesses,” said Rep. Cravaack.

“By passing H.R. 2947, Congress will enable the Cook County Highway Department to purchase the final piece of right-of-way, from the Cook County Airport, for the reconstruction of County Highway 8 (Devil Track Road),” said Cook County Highway Engineer David Betts.  “This bill benefits the residents and visitors of Cook County by allowing the Highway Department to improve the safety and ride quality of this heavily traveled roadway.  Rep. Cravaack and his staff have been very helpful to Cook County while we try to resolve this unusual issue.”

Previously, H.R. 2947 was unanimously approved by the House Natural Resources Committee.

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

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