A promo that aired on KSTP Channel 5 in the Twin Cities indicates that everyone’s favorite news whore station is preparing a hit piece on Ironworld. “See what your state dollars are paying for” says one tag line of Monday night’s “expose.” Except I’m betting KSTP lacks the attention to nuance to realize that Ironworld recently spun off as an independent nonprofit and was granted some transitional funding by its former parent agency Iron Range Resources, which is funded entirely by mining funds that are, by statute, dedicated to the economic development, reclamation and cultural preservation of the Iron Range.
You’re on notice, KSTP. If you say “taxpayer dollars” just once during your segment we’re going to have a problem.
Well, Aaron, the boondoggle IS at least partly subsidized by the public- to the tune of $220 per visitor, last year. That’s more than the per-rider subsidy for Jesse’s train boondoggle.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the ORONWORLD fiasco was created by Oberstar on an earmark, and he bragged about “bringin’ home the bacon” up there, and I’m sure the locals love him for it.
If that’s the case, expect this funding-sponge to get lots more attention in the earmarks-reform battle, cuz it’d be a perfect example of federal government waste (now State-waste) to benefit a limited number of voters in the congressman’s home district.