DULUTH (AP) --The Duluth City Council has approved a bailout of financially struggling Spirit Mountain ski hill.

The council voted 8-1 Monday night to give Spirit Mountain $235,000. The money will come from excess tourism tax dollars that had not been set aside for other projects.

Skier visits to Spirit Mountain have dropped in recent years. Last month the Amsoil Snocross National race was canceled at Spirit Mountain due to the Thanksgiving weekend blizzard.

Residents told the City Council that the ski hill is an economic asset for tourism.

Council members say they support the emergency funding but say something must change.

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