Senator Justin Eichorn (R- Grand Rapids) and Senator Rob Farnsworth (R-Hibbing) released statements on the decision of Huber Engineered Woods to drop their plans for an OSB plant in Cohasset, MN:
Senator Justin Eichorn (R- Grand Rapids) and Senator Rob Farnsworth (R-Hibbing) released statements on the decision of Huber Engineered Woods to drop their plans for an OSB plant in Cohasset, MN:
“This BS has got to end. I don’t blame Huber one bit for their decision, but Minnesota cannot continue to kill businesses and jobs time after time after time after time. Democrat leadership and this war on businesses are going to be the death of us if we don’t change how we do things.
“What frustrates me most is that this could have been avoided. Gov. Walz could have tried to save the Huber project with just a little effort, but he didn’t lift a finger. The Leech Lake Band could have come to the table to figure out a solution, but they chose to try to kill the entire project through protracted legal action. As a result, Minnesota loses out on hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs; $450 million in direct investment; billions of dollars in long-term economic impact; and a phenomenal partner that has won international awards for sustainability. Good work, everyone.
“To Huber, we say thank you. Thank you for trying. Thank you for believing in northern Minnesota. Thank you for suffering through our crushing political and regulatory climate as long as you did. You truly were a perfect partner for northern Minnesota. We regret the way this ended but wish you the best.”
“I’m very frustrated to hear that Huber Engineered Woods has been driven out of our state due to the anti-business climate. Local, regional, and state leaders have all supported this project, but clearly, we have more work to do to keep good-paying jobs in the Northland.
“It’s irritating, but maybe not surprising, as we continue to see administrative hurdles and delays have just become part of the standard process of starting a new business. Whether it’s a federal mining ban or a local lawsuit, we are not a state that is welcoming or supportive of the jobs that we need to keep our economy going.
“I urge leaders at all levels to continue to work together to attract and retain more employers to our area, rather than obstruct and litigate all their efforts.”
Huber announced their plans in 2021 for the state’s first Oriented Strand Board plant in decades. The project received $25 million in state funding and $15 million from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. It’s estimated to hire up to 400 construction workers to build the plant.