WASHINGTON – A long wait for federal clearance to develop a former Superfund site into a recreational area near Maysa Arena could soon be over.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, indicated this week that he secured a commitment from Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin during a hearing of the Senate Interior and Environment Appropriations Committee to promptly issue the final approval needed for the redevelopment of Minot’s former landfill.

The landfill had been previously designated as a Superfund site but was cleaned up and removed from the Superfund National Priorities List in 1997. In 2016, the EPA determined the property could be redeveloped, and the city has since been working with the agency to make use of the space for recreational opportunities.

Final approval for the plan is pending, and Hoeven said he is working with Zeldin to bring the process to a close so the construction can move forward. The Minot Park Board project will include a disc golf course, mountain biking trails and cross-country running trails.

“Minot’s former landfill has been cleaned up, and the city is ready to move forward with construction to create a new outdoor recreation site for local residents. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin for his commitment to move this final approval forward in a timely way,” Hoeven said. “This is a real opportunity to create a new outdoor asset for the community and enhance the quality of life for local residents.”

“We are looking forward to continuing moving this project forward with the City of Minot, the state and the EPA,” said Elly DesLauriers, executive director of the Minot Park District. “We have grant funding that has purchased baskets and we have grant funding really to go for trails so we are excited to move this project forward.”