The state of Minnesota will need nearly $5 billion to fix aging sewer systems over the next 20 years. The recent bill comes from the state Pollution Control Agency that surveys sewer infrastructure throughout the state every two years.[1]
The projected $5 billion needed to upgrade the states sewer infrastructure is an increase of 15 percent from the last survey two years ago. In an interview with MPR News, environmental specialist Cara Omana said that only around 5% of the need is related to meeting stricter water quality regulations “Much of Minnesota’s wastewater infrastructure was built in the ‘70s and ‘80s, so at this point a lot of it is getting older and needs to be replaced.[2]
The survey also concluded that around 20 percent of the wastewater treatment plants throughout the state are more than 40 years old. With populations expected to rise and stricter environmental mandates in the future, the agency has labeled the state’s wastewater infrastructure need as a priority.[3]
Governor Dayton has asked for $167 million in his recent bonding proposal for infrastructure improvements, including helping communities pay for the improvements. To learn more, click here.[4]
[1] Marohn, Kirsti. Minn. Cities say they need $5 billion to fix aging sewers. MPR News, January 27, 2018. Web. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/01/27/minn-cities-say-they-need-5-billion-to-fix-aging-sewers
[2] Marohn. Minn. Cities say they need $5 billion to fix aging sewers. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/01/27/minn-cities-say-they-need-5-billion-to-fix-aging-sewers
[3] Marohn. Minn. Cities say they need $5 billion to fix aging sewers. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/01/27/minn-cities-say-they-need-5-billion-to-fix-aging-sewers
[4] Marohn. Minn. Cities say they need $5 billion to fix aging sewers. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/01/27/minn-cities-say-they-need-5-billion-to-fix-aging-sewers
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