Economic development ‘extensive’ in Lyon County

“As a leader in industry, education and technology, Marshall enjoys a regional reputation for economic vitality,” said Cal Brink, director of the Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Tuesday, he made a presentation on the services the EDA has been providing.
Several additions have possibilities for development and there are properties such as the old K-Mart Building and the County Fair Building that are available for development.
“The K-Mart building has been sold and we’re working on that project,” Brink said.
Brink also talked about a proposed, “Courtyard by Marriott,” Hotel next to the conference center. He said the motel will cost $14 million and the convention center $6 million for a project valued at $20 to $21 million.
“Part of the project would probably be to build a restaurant as well. We hope to have local people involved,” he said.
Brink said at work time each morning, “The population of Marshall doubles.” Many come into the area to work.
Projects include property purchased by the City of Marshall and they hope to be developed.
He told the Lyon County Board the “Discover Southwest Minnesota” website has been completely updated.
He indicated several financial contributions have been funded through the EDA. They include as much as $50,000 for the Tru Shrimp project.
Several speakers have appeared at the Discover Southwest Minnesota series.
The county has funded $36,000 to the Southwest MN Partnership and has contributed other funds to various projects.
Many transportation projects have been completed including passing lanes on Highway 23; the Highway 23/Saratoga intersection in Marshall; the Highway 23/County Road 7 intersection plus safety assessments and other intersections.
“We have most of the major projects done,” said Brink, but, there are “future” projects in the offing.
The EDA has a hand in the Red Baron Arena and Expo in Marshall; the Merit Center Facility Expansion and Driving Track and many other individual business developments.

ONE OF the most expansive projects is in Tracy.
Tara Onken, economic development coordinator, said DEED (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development) funded a $290,000 demolition loan to raze the Masonic Building in Tracy.
“We’re working with Hospice of Murray County to help secure a project in Tracy,” said Onken. She  also indicated there is a redevelopment planned at the Red Rooster site.

TRU SHRIMP
The EDA has also been helping Ralco’s new business, “Tru Shrimp.” They have finalized the investment model and have named a development company for the management of the facility.
They have approval for the company and are raising money for that part of the development.
The first group of investment officers are settled. They will have a development facility in Balaton and it will be their development and training facility.
They will build their first hatchery that will go into a harbor. Then, they will expand to outside harbor locations. There will probably be three harbors — one in Luverne and another in Marshall.
“They hope to have the project financed and escrowed by the end of May, then start working with the harbors,” said Ron Prorok of the EDA.
“Right now, we’re going through the initial stage of investors,” added Brink.
“MCIT (Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust) watches legislation, court rulings, operational changes and the economic landscape and evolving role of county government,” he indicated.