Rukavina skeptical about Vermilion park’s future

Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, is skeptical about news today that the state will create a new state park on the shores of Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has reached a deal with U.S. Steel Corp. to buy the 3,000 acre tract for $18 million. The deal also includes a $2.3 million gift to the state.

Rukavina, who is seeking the DFL endorsement for governor, reiterated his criticism of Pawlenty’s aim to draw thousands of visitors a year to the park.

“How are you going to fund any amenities there when there are lots of other parks that have been neglected in the state by the Pawlenty administration,” Rukavina said.

Rukavina said there’s 10 miles of shoreline owned by the state on Vermilion and also the Soudan Mine Underground State Park. Those public lands have scant amenities for camping and recreation, Rukavina said.