The railroad corridor in Bemidji has sat vacant for years, and since 2017, the St. Paul Port Authority has studied the land quality of the lot. There has now been a plan presented for the area to be the site of a wellness center by Sanford Health.

Representatives from Sanford Health and the St. Paul Port Authority presented to the Bemidji City Council about Sanford Health’s interest in creating a wellness center at the railroad corridor. The council was split on the proposal for the $33 million facility.

The council agreed to discuss the rail corridor proposal at a meeting next month. In the meantime, those involved will develop their proposal to include additional information.

By — Betsy Melin