By DANA KAZEL
St. Louis County's request for funding to stabilize the eroding shoreline of the privately-owned Scandia Cemetery, has cleared an important hurdle. The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) today voted to include $1.44 million for the project on its list of recommendations for 2027 allocations. The list will next be presented to the Minnesota legislature for final approval during next year's session.
Scandia Cemetery dates back to 1881 and is located overlooking the shore of Lake Superior in Duluth. Erosion from the Great Lake has uncovered human remains and left numerous other graves precariously close to the edge. The private association that owns the cemetery does not have the means to address the issue, so St. Louis County stepped up to address the concern in a permanent way.
County engineers estimate it will cost $2.3 million to construct a permanent concrete retaining wall, stabilize the Lake Superior shoreline, and construct an access road for future maintenance and operation needs. The county will continue working to identify other sources for remaining needed funds.
"While this is by no means a done deal, it's an important step toward correcting this serious situation," said Commissioner Patrick Boyle, whose district incudes the Scandia Cemetery. "Major credit goes to Representative Roger Skraba and Senator Jen McEwen who both sit on the LCCMR. They recognized the need to find a respectful solution for the people who have loved ones buried there, and rreally advocated on our behalf.
Funding for the project would come from the state's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF)
