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    Information on Minnesota State Agencies, Boards, Task Forces, and Commissions

    Compiled by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library

    Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Department

    Also known as:
    Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
    Office of the Commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (1941-2017)
    Active dates:1941 -
    Authority:
    Minn. Stat. 298.22 Subd. 1
    2017 Minn. Laws Chap. 94 Art. 7 Sec. 3
    1941 Minn. Laws Chap. 544 Sec. 4
    Function:

    The Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation is a State of Minnesota development agency located in Eveleth, Minnesota. Their mission is to promote and invest in business, community, and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota.

    Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation provides funding, including low or no interest loans, grants and loan guarantees for businesses relocating or expanding in the region. Additionally, a variety of grants are available to local units of government, education institutions, and nonprofits that promote workforce development and sustainable communities.

    History:

    The Office of the Commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation was created by the legislature in 1941. Two years later, the legislature created the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Commission (which was eventually renamed the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) in 1975). The Office of the Commissioner worked with the IRRRB to carry out its statutory mandates.

    Following a 2016 review of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board by the Office of the Legislative Auditor, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation State Agency was officially renamed the "Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation" by the legislature in 2017. This same legislation clarified that the board's role is advisory. The commissioner of the Department is required to consult with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board before spending money or taking action on projects.
    Related to:
    Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
    Iron Range Higher Education Committee
    Membership:

    The Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation is appointed by the Governor.
    Agency heads:

    See agency notebooks for a full list of past commissioners.
    Internet resource:
    Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
    Reports:
    OLA Evaluation Report: Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) (2016)
    Biennial Reports ( 1945/47-1972/74)
    Note: The Legislative Reference Library may have additional reports on or by this group available through our catalog.
    Documents/Articles:
    Former IRRR Commissioner Mark Phillips dies at 73. Star Tribune, 8/26/2023.
    Mark Phillips, former IRRR Commissioner, dies. Iron Range Today, 8/24/2023.
    Iron Range official takes new approach to area's population decline. Star Tribune, 7/22/2023.
    Senate confirms Ida Rukavina as Commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Press Release, 3/9/2023.
    Gov. Tim Walz names new education, health and public safety commissioners. Star Tribune, 12/22/2022.
    Walz, Flanagan Announce Cabinet Appointments. News Release (Governor Tim Walz), 12/21/2022.
    News clippings and documents: Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Commissioners. Agencies Notebook Collection, 1941-2019.
    News clippings and documents: Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Department. Agencies Notebook Collection, 2017-2019.
    Record last updated: 08/01/2022
     

    All information on this group from the Library’s collection of agency notebooks has been digitized. These materials are incorporated into the “documents/articles” section of the record. Please contact a librarian with any questions. The Minnesota Agencies database is a work in progress.

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