J.D. Investments to abandon Henriette Minnesota site for Pine Run Motorsports Park
After a years worth of detailed work and an extensive environmental
assessment of the Henriette MN. site, J.D. Investments, Pine Run
Motorsports Park have chosen to pursue a new location for a motorsports
facility. An introduction of the project in January 2005 to the Pine County
community and year long environmental assessment of the property produced a need for continued environmental assessment. J.D. Investments CEO and
project developer Jed Copham and staff recently made this decision rather
than pursue an Environmental ! Impact Statement (EIS) as directed by a Pine
County Board of Commissioners decision in October.
Jed Copham goes on to explain, at the Henriette location, wetlands and
future soil corrections were the primary factors for moving from the Harley
Sod Farm location. Part of our year long exercise in Pine County included a
required wetland deliniation study to establish or designate onsite
wetlands. Continued meetings and discussions with a number of regulatory
agencies could not produce a wetland deliniation. Having that would have
been a much needed starting point to establish onsite wetlands and further
produce an extensive and final layout of the facility. Soil corrections
were another strong point in moving from the sod farm site. Through our own
research, we knew that sod farms in the metro area were being converted to
usable land uses. We felt that the Harley Sod Farm could be established for
our own use in much the same way. Soil borings at the site also produced
various levels of peat and mixed soils and admitedly, it was extensive in
some areas but, we chose to work with these conditions if other factors
could be met.
Copham goes on to say that the Henriette location included a 1/4 mile drag strip, 3.6 mile road course and a 3/8 mile go kart track on 530 acres. Considering the amount of activity that would have been generated at the Henriette site, our new location will be downscaled to include less day to day activity, less annual activity and focus primarily on our original business plan for a pristine road course facility and go kart track.
Pine Run Vice President and General Manager Scott Quick adds that Pine
Run's year long exercise in Pine County produced overwhelming support from
residents and the business community in both Pine and K! anabec Counties. We are greatful to everyone that supported our efforts, all throughout Minnesota and ask for their
continued support as we evaluate other sites. We're especially grateful to
all of our friends and supporters in Pine County that welcomed our
development and saw it as a good business opportunity for the area. Racing
enthusiasts throughout Minnesota that have followed our project from the
beginning should also know that J.D. Investments is commited to
constructing a motorsports facility and our decision to move from this site
has not detered our passion to find a new home.
