Community Project Funding Archive

Community Project Funding is an opportunity that allows Members of Congress to advocate for projects in their districts that will help constituents and provide a direct benefit to the quality of life. This allows Members to direct money in the most responsible way possible, instead of abdicating total allocation power to unelected bureaucratic officials.

Transparency is of utmost importance to this process which is why below is a list of the projects I requested from Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year 2025 and all necessary transparency documents to accompany these requests.

It is an honor to serve northern Minnesota and to advocate for projects that will help support and improve our way of life!

The projects I have requested funding for in FY26 are as follows: 

Project Title: County Highway 32 Pedestrian and Safety Improvement Project
Proposed Recipient: Washington County
Requested Amount: $9,000,000
Project Description: Today, County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 32 in Forest Lake is a two-lane road with insufficient turn lanes, poorly spaced corridor access, no pedestrian facilities, and failing pavement. City-owned Forest Road is part of an offset intersection with CSAH 32 and Centennial Drive. The intersection has poor sight lines due to the adjacent Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Bridge and was identified for infrastructure improvements as part of a corridor traffic study. Washington County is leading a reconstruction project in 2027 to address these issues. The project team is seeking federal funds to support a comprehensive approach. The proposed project includes the reconstruction of CSAH 32 to include a three-lane section with a center left turn lane as well as applicable right turn lanes. A new off-road, multi-use path will also be added, connecting residents and businesses to the nearby Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. Along CSAH 32, the project will construct a new signal at 12th Street and a new roundabout at 4th Street. To address the poor sight lines and series of offset intersections on the east end of the corridor, the project seeks to realign Forest Road to the west, where it will connect to the new roundabout at 4th Street. The project components will improve safety, congestion, and operations for all users while maintaining full access to nearby affordable housing, schools, and parks. Additionally, the project provides an opportunity to improve stormwater management, reducing direct discharge into nearby Clear Lake. The CSAH 32 Pedestrian & Safety Improvement Project is supported by the City of Forest Lake, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Rice Creek Watershed District, Forest Lake School District 831, and Forest Lake Public Safety.

Project Title: City of Ely Drinking Water Supply Intake and Water Main Replacement
Proposed Recipient: City of Ely
Requested Amount: $3,500,000
Project Description: The City of Ely Drinking Water Supply Intake and Water Main Replacement project involves replacing the water supply intake structure, a 25,000 linear foot water main, and upgrading and replacing equipment at the water treatment facility. The water main is the only source of water to the municipal water treatment plant and requires urgent replacement due to its age and poor condition. The City of Ely’s water supply water main line was originally constructed in 1932. It runs approximately 25,000 feet from Burntside Lake to the municipal water treatment plant; part of the water main is shallowly buried and may be subject to freezing. However, in areas where the water supply main crosses rivers, it is supported by elevated cribbing that was last rehabilitated in 1970 and has since become structurally unsound, appearing as if it is ready to collapse. The severely deteriorated cross beams are supported by weak bridge pilings that are believed to be part of the original structure from 1932. The pipe and connecting hardware on these exposed sections of the water main have experienced substantial corrosion. Additionally, the pipe flanges and the hardware connecting the steel water main to the water supply intake pumphouse have significant corrosion and are in immediate need of repair. The 93-year-old water main has experienced numerous leaks along its sections, causing emergencies, as it is the sole source of drinking water for the city, which typically requires 600,000 gallons per day. Replacing this water main is necessary to ensure a safe, reliable water supply to the City’s 3,616 residents. The water main replacement will be constructed with corrosion-resistant HDPE pipes. It will be buried from the water intake to the water treatment plant by open-cut excavation where possible, and will be directionally bored under the rivers and wetland areas.

Project Title: The City of Duluth Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation
Proposed Recipient: City of Duluth
Requested Amount: $3,500,000
Project Description: The City of Duluth owns and operates a water utility that serves approximately 105,000 residents in four communities and several major industries in northeastern Minnesota. The backbone of the utility is a 32 million gallon per day surface water treatment plant and ten pump/booster stations, which convey potable water in 13 pressure zones up to 957 feet above Lake Superior. The water treatment facility dates to the 1890s, with a significant system update in the 1970s. The 433-mile network of distribution mains and transmission lines supplies 68 million gallons of potable water to storage reservoirs, tanks, and towers. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the City of Duluth have entered into an Administrative Order on Consent to correct system deficiencies at the Water Treatment Plant and distribution system. We undertake this appropriations request as part of a broad effort to bring the system into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and the EPA’s mandates. The EPA Administrative Order identifies several system improvements, upgrades, and repairs that need to be implemented over the next several years. The total cost for all these activities is over $42 million. It is worth noting, however, that the most critical component of the project is the rehabilitation of five water filters and the construction of an additional sixth filter. The filters are a critical component in terms of providing safe drinking water to our residents. Additionally, the filter rehabilitation/construction must be completed before many other repairs can be undertaken. The cost for the rehabilitation of five filters and the construction of the sixth is $11,500,000. The City would dedicate this appropriations request to this specific part of the overall effort, given its priority nature.

Project Title: US Highway 8 Reconstruction
Proposed Recipient: Chisago County Public Works
Requested Amount: $8,000,000
Project Description: This project will reconstruct and expand 8 miles of US 8 from 2 lanes to 4 lanes to accommodate existing traffic volumes of over 20,000 trips per day. It will also look to consolidate approximately 60 access points down to 8 and add a trail for bike/ped traffic – currently, there are no bike/ped facilities available along this corridor. The project is needed to address safety, congestion/mobility, access management, economic development, and bike/ped deficiencies.

Project Title: Harris Municipal Water System Improvement and Water Main Looping
Proposed Recipient: City of Harris
Requested Amount: $2,259,000
Project Description: The City of Harris has critical deficiencies in its municipal water system. The City of Harris operates a water system that consists of two wells, an elevated storage tank, a water treatment plant designed to remove iron, manganese, and radium, and a distribution system that serves our urban core. While our system has functioned reliably, it currently faces structural vulnerabilities that put a significant portion of our community at risk of water service disruptions and inadequate pressure and flow. To address these vulnerabilities and enhance the reliability, resilience, and safety of our municipal water system, the City of Harris is seeking funding for several key improvements, including creating system redundancy to ensure uninterrupted water service for the western half of the city and mitigating the risk of prolonged service disruptions. This project will also expand the distribution infrastructure by extending and looping water mains. This will eliminate dead ends, improve water quality, and significantly enhance fire protection capacity. This project also includes the installation of additional shut-off valves to allow for sectional isolation during repairs. This will minimize service disruptions by enabling localized maintenance rather than requiring city-wide shutdowns. Finally, we intend to upgrade existing water mains by reinforcing and replacing aging or vulnerable sections of the distribution system, improving its overall durability and reliability.

Project Title: Hibbing Water, Access, Treatment, Expansion, & Reliability Projects (Hib-WATER)
Proposed Recipient: Hibbing Public Utilities Commission
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Project Description: Like many communities, Hibbing faces aging infrastructure challenges — but unlike most, it must navigate these challenges alongside and in support of one of the country's largest open-pit mine operating within our city limits. The Hib-WATER Projects originated out of a 2022 study that identified two major risks to Hibbing's water system: a ~1.4–2.0 MGD drinking water production shortfall and frequent water main breaks, caused by approximately 50% of the system exceeding its expected service life. These deficiencies increase the risk of depressurization events, jeopardizing drinking water security. This water insecurity poses serious public health risks and threatens economic development. To address these challenges, HPU launched the Hib-WATER Projects, a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening water production and reducing system vulnerability. To increase production, HPU plans to invest $37 million in the rehabilitation of existing treatment facilities and the development of a new well field and treatment plant. To reduce system vulnerability, HPU has embarked on a 10-year, $50 million plan to replace 2% of the distribution system annually. In the last three years, HPU has pursued these goals by replacing approximately 17,000 linear feet of water main and completing capital improvements at the existing South Water Treatment Plant. However, much work remains. The FY2026 Projects include two major water main replacements totaling about 8,000 linear feet, including a critical supply line connecting Hibbing to its Southern Well Field. Rehabilitation work at the South Water Treatment Plant will also continue. HPU is seeking $3,000,000 in support of these critical drinking water investments. The Hib-WATER Projects are a proactive solution to safeguard Hibbing’s water future. By modernizing infrastructure and expanding capacity, HPU is ensuring water reliability, public health, and economic stability for generations to come.

Project Title: City of Nashwauk Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Nashwauk
Requested Amount: $1,061,000
Project Description: The City of Nashwauk is planning to make important improvements to the infrastructure on 3rd Street. The project will involve replacing the sanitary sewer mains, storm sewers, water mains, and water service lines along Third Street, six blocks from Central Avenue to Fern Avenue. The work involves replacing the sanitary manholes and the old VCP sanitary sewer mains with 8” PVC. Storm sewer, catch basins, and storm manholes will also be replaced, and the old water mains will be constructed with 6” DIP. Hydrants and gate valves will be replaced, and all water services will be replaced with copper tubing and new curb stops. This will replace lead water service lines to 72 homes and the Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. After the work is done, the sidewalk, curb, and gutter will undergo full restoration, along with the bituminous street.

Project Title: Gantry Crane Refurbishment Project
Proposed Recipient: Duluth Seaway Port Authority
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Project Description: The Duluth Seaway Port Authority (DSPA) seeks $5M in funding (out of a total $10M project cost) to refurbish twin 90-ton electric rail-mounted gantry cranes (130-ton tandem lift capacity) and associated rail infrastructure that serve as critical infrastructure for handling breakbulk, heavy-lift, and dimensional cargoes at the DSPA’s Clure Public Marine Terminal. The cranes were manufactured at Clyde Iron Works in the late 1950s in Duluth and have proudly served and displayed the DSPA logo to generations of visiting ships. The cranes require a comprehensive refurbishment to extend their service lifespan and to maintain operational safety, efficiency, and reliability. 

The following is the proposed scope of refurbishment work - Mechanical Refurbishment: Replace worn sheaves and drive brake motors; replace failed rivets on structural connections. Install corrosion-resistant coatings on structural members exposed to lakefront conditions. 

Electrical System Modernization: Replace original 1959 electrical conductor bar frame support, electrical conductor bar insulators and splice covers and the southern-most conductor bar. Modernize electric grounding system on both cranes. 

Supporting Rail Infrastructure Rebuild: Replace deteriorated concrete surface (includes demolition of old surface, placement of geogrid materials, aggregate surfacing and concrete pavement). Subgrade correction to address surface settlement caused by compressed subgrade organic material. Remove and reconstruct 900 feet of rail to include concrete crossing panels. Shim existing crane rails to return to original elevation. Replace worn and corroded crane rail anchorage and worn rail connection bars.

Project Title: Kettle River’s Infrastructure Improvements
Proposed Recipient: City of Kettle River
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Project Description: Substantial updates are necessary to maintain the functionality of Kettle River's wastewater and drinking water systems and address the imminent safety concerns. The City of Kettle River’s wastewater system is failing due to the advanced age and poor condition of various components, requiring rehabilitation of the lift station, and an upgrade is needed for the wastewater ponds. There is also an abandoned Imhoff tank that will be removed because it is an imminent health and safety hazard. Drinking water system improvements are also needed. Kettle River is currently using only one well on a consistent basis. Well #1 is only used intermittently due to its inefficiency and the discolored water it produces. Kettle River needs a new well drilled to replace well #1, in addition to upgrading its drinking water treatment system. Kettle River’s lift station and wastewater ponds were constructed in 1987. The backup generator at the lift station is over 25 years old, and the filter media is 20 years old. Well #1 and the Imhoff tank were constructed in 1950. The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and well #2 were drilled in 2004. The community of Kettle River will be positively impacted through increased safety with the removal of the Imhoff tank, improved wastewater functionality, increased drinking water quality with a new well, and more system efficiency through the implementation of remote monitoring. Supplemental materials supplied will consist of support letters and the most recent Community Economic Development Strategies that support this project. Kettle River has also submitted applications for the Minnesota Clean and Drinking Water Project Priority list.

Project Title: City of Cook Pond Improvements
Proposed Recipient: $330,000
Requested Amount: City of Cook
Project Description: The slopes of the City of Cook’s wastewater stabilization ponds are eroding and pose a potential for liner integrity failure. Failure would result in a flood of wastewater spreading into the surrounding properties, leading to environmental contamination, public health issues, and property damage. This would also greatly affect the City’s ability to treat municipal wastewater. This project proposes to complete pond restorations, regrade the dike, and place additional rip-rap on the dike walls. The project would also include all structural repairs or replacements to the wastewater treatment facility, and construction of the pond’s boat launch, which is used to perform pond maintenance and chemical additions as necessary.

Project Title: Northern Township Wastewater Project
Proposed Recipient: $10,000,000
Requested Amount: Northern Township
Project Description: Northern Township seeks federal funding for Phase 2 of a vital infrastructure project to install a comprehensive sanitary sewer system along the eastern edge of Lake Bemidji. This project will replace aging septic systems with a modern municipal system, advancing regional planning goals, improving public health, and protecting Lake Bemidji and the Mississippi River. Phase 1, beginning construction in 2026, will serve the northern end of the lake; Phase 2 will extend sewer lines approximately three miles and complete the system to the township's southern border. The system includes an enclosed mechanical treatment plant exceeding Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards. Advanced treatment processes will significantly reduce phosphorus and nitrate levels, preventing nutrient leaching and harmful algal blooms. These improvements will protect water quality, support property values, and fulfill a regional wastewater planning goal identified more than 50 years ago. This project strategically aligns with Beltrami County's reconstruction of CSAH 20, allowing storm sewer and road improvements to be coordinated and saving an estimated $1.5 million in project costs. The aforementioned major stakeholders facing imminent septic failures strongly support a central sewer system as the most environmentally sound and sustainable solution. Lake Bemidji--the first city on the Mississippi River--is a critical natural and economic resource for northern Minnesota, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Protecting this headwater lake helps preserve the health of the entire Mississippi River system. Federal funding for Phase 2 is crucial to completing this regional infrastructure investment, supporting environmental stewardship, community sustainability, and long-term economic vitality.

Project Title: Coleraine City-Wide Infrastructure Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Coleraine
Requested Amount: $4,000,000 
Project Description: The City of Coleraine and the Infrastructure Committee have recently completed an infrastructure analysis to determine the city-wide condition of our existing infrastructure. The City and Committee identified a large number of areas in the city that need serious improvements. Improvements needed include replacement and reconstruction of water mains, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer system, streets/lighting, and sidewalks, and installation of water meters. Many of the utility mains, pipes, and connections to water and sanitary sewer are old and deteriorated. In many instances, the utilities are beyond their intended lifespan due to the original design and installation. Inflow and infiltration were apparent due to the poor condition of stormwater and sewer connections to the City mains. The streets, alleys, sidewalks, and utilities are in a state of severe deterioration and generally in poor condition. The project is not only necessary to extend the life of the roads and utilities, but also to bring the various elements back within acceptable design standards. Proposed improvements to the roads include a full reconstruction of the subgrade, base, curb and gutter, ditching (where applicable), and surface. The roads will be surfaced with bituminous pavement. The overall width of the road will be designed to meet typical design standards. Perforated polyethylene (PE) drain tile pipe will be installed at the bottom of the road section to allow for subgrade and base drainage, helping to keep water out of the roadbed and significantly reducing possible failures (i.e., settlement, heaving, cracking, etc.). Sidewalks will be reconstructed to meet current ADA standards, including widths, grades, and accessible pedestrian ramps. Utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main) will be upgraded to provide many years of continued service to the citizens of Coleraine.

Project Title: Pine City Wastewater Treatment Pond System Upgrade
Proposed Recipient: City of Pine City
Requested Amount: $3,500,000
Project Description: The proposed improvements include pond bank reinforcement with slope repairs and riprap to protect against wave action and wildlife damage. The initially installed aeration system in the three aerated ponds from 1972 has reached the end of its useful life and is very inefficient. Only 1 of the original 5 air blowers is functioning, and the piping system between the blowers and the pond bottoms suffers from numerous breaks/leaks. The proposed improvements would replace this old aeration system with a more energy-efficient system that may include solar or other renewable energy options. The last improvement item is the replacement of the existing bar screen as the untreated wastewater enters the pond system. The current bar screen is wearing out due to the extremely corrosive environment it functions in, which is increasing the frequency of manual maintenance to keep the bar screen clean and large objects out of the pond. A new mechanical bar screen is planned to reduce maintenance and increase screening efficiency.

Project Title: Mountain Iron/Eveleth Watermain Loop
Proposed Recipient: City of Mountain Iron
Requested Amount: $8,000,000
Project Description: The project would consist of five miles of 10-inch HDPE water main starting in Mountain Iron and terminating in Eveleth. The purpose is to loop the water systems of the four communities, Mountain Iron, Eveleth, Virginia, and Gilbert. If one community were to have a major incident where that community’s water supply could not keep up with the demand, the other communities could open various valves and increase production to meet the needs of the other communities. It will also help with fire safety.

Project Title: Keewatin City-Wide Infrastructure Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Keewatin
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Project Description: The City of Keewatin, through its infrastructure committee, has recently completed a draft Capital Improvement Plan to determine the city-wide condition of our existing infrastructure. The City and Committee identified a large number of areas in the city that need serious improvements. Improvements needed include replacement and reconstruction of water mains, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer system, and streets. Many of the utility mains, pipes, and connections to water and sanitary sewer are old and deteriorated. In many instances, the utilities are beyond the intended life span of their original design and installation. Inflow and infiltration were apparent due to the poor condition of stormwater and sewer connections to the City mains. The streets and utilities are badly deteriorated and generally in poor condition. The project is necessary not only to extend the life of the roads and utilities but also to bring the various elements back to acceptable design standards. Proposed improvements to the roads include a full reconstruction of the subgrade, base, curb and gutter, ditching (where applicable), and surface. The roads will be surfaced with bituminous pavement. The overall width of the road will be designed to meet typical design standards. Perforated polyethylene (PE) drain tile pipe will be installed at the bottom of the road section to allow for subgrade and base drainage to help keep water out of the road bed and significantly reduce possible failures (i.e., settlement, heaving, cracking, etc.). Any deteriorated sidewalks will be reconstructed to meet current ADA standards, including widths, grades, and accessible pedestrian ramps. Utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main) will be upgraded to provide many years of continued service to the citizens of Keewatin.

The projects I have requested funding for in FY25 are as follows:

Project Name: Hibbing Water Infrastructure Improvement & Expansion Project
Proposed Recipient: Hibbing Public Utilities
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Member Certification Form
Project Description: The Hibbing Water Infrastructure Improvement & Expansion Project is required due to dewatering activities performed at a nearby, active mine pit. In support of this essential industry, Hibbing Public Utilities (HPU) has eliminated one of its historically most productive wells in the Scranton Well. Prior to its retirement, this well produced 600 gallons of potable water per minute without the need of treatment. Due to this loss, HPU’s drinking water production falls short by 200,000-2,000,000 gallons per day during critical periods of peak demand. The Hibbing Water Infrastructure Improvement & Expansion Projects will address these production short falls by reinvesting in existing infrastructure to stabilize and improve current capabilities and develop a new well field to replace lost production. Improvement projects at HPU’s South Water Treatment Plant will replace rapidly deteriorating and actively failing infrastructure will return the plant’s operations to compliance with its permitting. The development of the Carey Valley well field and Water Treatment Plant will provide needed expansion of water production capabilities will allow HPU to match peak levels of demand. In order to support both aspects of this project, improvements must also be made to Hibbing’s water distribution system to ensure the reliable supply of drinking water to the ~16,000 residents of our community.

Project Name: CSAH 32 Pedestrian and Safety Improvement Project
Proposed Recipient: Washington County
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 32 in Forest Lake is a two-lane road with insufficient turn lanes, poorly spaced corridor access, no pedestrian facilities, and failing pavement. Washington County is leading a reconstruction project in 2027 to address these issues. City-owned Forest Road is part of an offset intersection with CSAH 32 and Centennial Drive. The intersection has poor sight lines due to the adjacent Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Bridge and was identified for infrastructure improvements as part of a corridor traffic study. The project team is seeking federal funds to address Forest Road’s deficiencies alongside Washington County’s scheduled work in the area. The proposed project is to realign Forest Road to the west to connect with 4th Street—this would entail pedestrian improvements and construction of a roundabout, improving safety, congestion, and circulation while maintaining full access to and from Forest Road and nearby affordable housing, schools, and parks. Additionally, the project provides an opportunity to improve stormwater management, reducing direct discharge into nearby Clear Lake.

Project Name: US Highway 8 Reconstruction Project
Proposed Recipient: Chisago County Public Works
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: This project will reconstruct and expand 8 miles of US 8 from 2 lanes to 4 lanes to accommodate existing traffic volumes of over 20,000 trips per day. It will also look to consolidate approximately 60 access points down to 8 and add a trail for bike/pedestrian traffic – currently, there are no bike/pedestrian facilities available along this corridor. This project is needed to address safety, congestion/mobility, access management, economic development, and bike/pedestrian deficiencies.

Project Name: City of Nashwauk Third Street Infrastructure Improvements Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Nashwauk
Requested Amount: $1,808,800
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The City of Nashwauk is planning to make important improvements to the infrastructure on 3rd Street. The project will involve replacing the sanitary sewer mains, storm sewers, water mains and water service lines along Third Street, six blocks from Central Avenue to Fern Avenue. The work involves replacing the sanitary manholes, and the old VCP sanitary sewer mains with 8” PVC. Storm sewer, catch basins, and storm manholes will also be replaced and the old water mains Water mains will be constructed with 6” DIP. Hydrants and gate valves will be replaced and all water services will be replaced with copper tubing and new curb stops. This will replace lead water service lines to 72 homes and the Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. After the work is done, full restoration of the sidewalk, curb and gutter, and bituminous street.

Project Name: City of Ely Drinking Water Supply Intake and Water Main Replacement
Proposed Recipient: City of Ely
Requested Amount: $3,920,000
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The City of Ely Drinking Water Supply Intake and Water Main Replacement project includes replacing the water supply intake structure, the 25,000 linear foot water main, and improvements to and replacement of equipment for the water treatment facility. The water main is the only source of water to the municipal water treatment plant and requires urgent replacement due to its age and poor condition. The City of Ely’s water supply water main line was originally constructed in 1932. It runs approximately 25,000 feet from Burntside Lake to the municipal water treatment plant; part of the water main is shallowly buried and may be subject to freezing. However, in areas where the water supply main crosses rivers, it is supported by elevated cribbing that was last rehabilitated in 1970 and have since become structural unsound and appear as if they are ready to collapse. The severely deteriorated cross beams are supported by weak bridge pilings that are believed to be part of the original structure from 1932. The pipe and connecting hardware on these exposed sections of the water main have experienced substantial corrosion. Additionally, the pipe flanges and the hardware connecting the steel water main to the water supply intake pumphouse have significant corrosion and are in immediate need of repair. The 93-year-old water main has had numerous leaks along sections of the water main, causing emergencies, as this water main is the sole source of drinking water for the city, which typically requires 600,000 gallons/day. Replacing this water main is necessary to ensure a safe, reliable water supply to the City’s 3,616 residents. The water main replacement will be constructed with corrosion-resistant HDPE pipes. It will be buried from the water intake to the water treatment plant by open-cut excavation where possible and will be directionally boring under the rivers and wetland areas.

Project Name: City of Keewatin City-Wide Infrastructure Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Keewatin 
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Member Certification Form
Project Description: The City of Keewatin, through its infrastructure committee, has recently completed a draft Capital Improvement Plan to determine the city-wide condition of its existing infrastructure. The City and Committee identified a large number of areas that need serious improvements. Improvements needed include replacing and reconstructing water mains, sanitary sewer lines, and storm sewer systems. The current infrastructure in the City of Keewatin is very old, and it is no longer economically viable to repair the water lines and sewer lines annually. There is a large amount of inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the sewer system, which forces the city and its residents to pay to treat clean water. The City of Keewatin is a small community and cannot undertake big projects like this without state and federal assistance.

Project Name: City of Bemidji Wastewater Treatment Facility Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Bemidji
Requested Amount: $4,600,000
Member Certification Form
Project Description: The City of Bemidji currently has a wastewater treatment facility with two secondary clarifiers, which are essential components of the treatment system. A wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Report completed in 2018 identified the final clarifiers as the limiting factor for additional growth in the City of Bemidji. The clarifiers are a key component in the removal of phosphorus and maintaining compliance with the facility’s US EPA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) redundancy guidelines provided by permit. A third clarifier is needed to fulfill the redundancy guidelines provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for secondary clarifiers. The rate and solids loading rate will be limited as the city grows and adds more users. The addition of a third secondary clarifier will help maintain a high-level treatment performance, provide redundancy, and provide the required capacity needed for growth in the city.

Project Name: The City of Duluth Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Duluth
Requested Amount: $4,327,625
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a number of system deficiencies at the Water Treatment Plant which need to be addressed in order to meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The City of Duluth and the EPA are currently in negotiations on an administrative order on consent which would require the repairs and upgrades mentioned in this request. At the Water Treatment Plant, pertinent improvements requested by the EPA include: repair of currently inoperable flocculation tank mixers and restoration of protective coatings on process piping, equipment, and various structural building elements. Building upkeep projects at the plant with this request include replacement of the historic pump house building roof and replacement of the flocculator motor building roof. Several water storage tanks in the system have a plan developed for exterior painting, interior coating replacement, and installation of cathodic protection, including the Proctor Tower and the Bayview Tank. Minor repairs and coating refurbishments are designed for the Highland Tower as well. The above projects have been listed by the EPA as critical upkeep projects. A variety of improvements at booster and pumping stations is requested with this proposal. As part of building upkeep four stations (Proctor, Airport, Orphanage, and Bayview) need roof replacements. To improve power resiliency, a project to install manual transfer switch gear and connections for portable power generation units is an EPA required upgrade. The Orphanage and Proctor pumping station also have projects designed to replace worn out motor control center gear. Lastly, a pipeline project to interconnect two pressure zones and eliminate the Lakeside Tank is in preliminary design stages currently. The ¾ mile pipe will benefit the city with a reduction of assets, yielding reduced operating and maintenance costs overall.

Project Name: Kettle River Water Infrastructure Improvements Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Kettle River
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The current age and condition of the City’s infrastructure are causing numerous issues, and these issues will continue to increase until the City updates or replaces these systems. Of immediate concern is an existing municipal well that is nearing the end of its service life and has fluctuating iron and manganese levels; the City’s water treatment plant in need of repair and lacks a reliable backup power source; failing coatings and disintegrating footings on the aging water tower; a portion of the water distribution system that is composed of cast iron pipe installed in 1952; a portion of the existing sanitary sewer collection system that is composed of vitrified clay pipe believed to have been installed in 1952; an old mechanical wastewater treatment plant that is no longer in operation but has not been properly dismantled on a site that is not secure; and riprap and excessive vegetation growth at the existing wastewater treatment pond system. Kettle River is currently using only one well on a consistent basis. Well #1 is only used intermittently due to its inefficiency and the discolored water it produces. Kettle River needs a new well drilled to replace Well #1 in addition to drinking water treatment upgrades. Kettle River’s lift station and wastewater ponds were constructed in 1987. The backup generator at the lift station is over 25 years old and the filter media is 20 years old. Well #1 and the Imhoff tank were constructed in 1950. The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Well #2 were drilled in 2004.

Project Name: Mountain Iron/Eveleth Watermain Loop Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Mountain Iron
Requested Amount: $8,000,000
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The project would consist of five miles of 10-inch HDPE water main starting in Mountain Iron and terminating in Eveleth. The purpose is to loop the water systems of the four communities, Mountain Iron, Eveleth, Virginia and Gilbert. If one community were to have a major incident where that community’s water supply could not keep up with the demand, the other communities could open various valves and increase production to meet the needs of the other communities. It will also help with fire safety.

Project Name: City of Cook Wastewater Treatment Pond Reconstruction Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Cook
Requested Amount: $3,150,000
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The City of Cook's wastewater treatment stabilization ponds are facing erosion on their slopes, which could lead to liner failure. If this were to happen, it could result in a flood of wastewater that may spread into nearby properties, causing significant public health concerns, environmental contamination, and property damage. Moreover, it would also hinder the City's ability to treat its municipal wastewater effectively. To address this issue, the project aims to reconstruct the ponds, regrade the dike, and add more rip-rap to the dike wall for permanent stabilization. The project also includes necessary structural repairs to the wastewater treatment plant, replacement of the lift station pumps, and reconstruction of the wastewater pond’s boat launch. These are crucial for continued wastewater treatment and pond maintenance.

Project Name: City of Coleraine Water Infrastructure Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Coleraine
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Member Certification Form
Project Description: The City of Coleraine and the Infrastructure Committee recently completed an infrastructure analysis to determine the condition of our existing infrastructure city-wide. The City and Committee identified a large number of areas in the city that need serious improvements. Improvements needed include replacing and reconstructing water mains, sanitary sewer lines, and storm sewer systems, and installing water meter. Many of the utility mains, pipes, and connections to water and sanitary sewers are old and deteriorating. In many instances, the utilities are beyond the intended lifespan of their original design and installation. Inflow and infiltration were apparent due to the poor condition of stormwater and sewer connections to the City mains. The project is necessary to extend the life of the roads and utilities and to bring the various elements back within acceptable design standards. Utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main) will be upgraded to provide many years of continued service to the citizens of Coleraine.

Project Name: Harris Municipal Water System Improvement and Water Main Looping
Proposed Recipient: City of Harris
Requested Amount: $1,374,469
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The City of Harris is requesting help to fund improvements to the municipal water distribution system: To extend the water main across County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 30 and BNSF-owned railroad tracks at two locations. Both lines are needed to improve system reliability and redundancy. To replace old shut-off valves and install nine new valves at strategic points of the distribution system to enable shutting down sections of the water main for repairs, rather than shutting down the entire system. The Harris municipal water system consists of two wells, one elevated storage tank (water tower), a water treatment plant that removes iron, manganese, and radium from the drinking water, and a distribution system that serves the urban core of the City. The City is effectively split in half by CSAH 30 and the BNSF-owned railroad tracks that parallel the highway to the west. The wells and the water treatment plant are east of the railroad tracks and highway. The elevated storage tank is west. There is only one water main that crosses CSAH 30 and the railroad tracks. If something should happen to any portion of the one thousand feet of water main that connects the storage tank and eastern water distribution system, the western half of the City would be separated from the eastern half. This could result in a disruption of service as well as inadequate pressure and flow for a substantial portion of the water system. The storage tank would run dry with no way to refill it. Similarly, a single water main line extends along Georgia Avenue from 438th Street to 439th Street. It serves as the only source of water for most of the users on the west side of Harris. If this line is ever out of service, the homes, and businesses west of Georgia Avenue or south of 438th Street would be isolated from the water supply wells and the elevated storage facility and could be without water for an extended period.

Project Name: Pine City Wastewater Treatment Pond System Upgrade
Proposed Recipient: City of Pine City
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Member Certification Form 
Project Description: The proposed improvements include pond bank reinforcement with slope repairs and riprap to protect against wave action and wildlife damage. The initially installed aeration system in the three aerated ponds from 1972 has reached the end of its useful life and is inefficient. Only 1 of the original 5 air blowers is functioning, and the piping system between the blowers and the pond bottoms suffers from numerous breaks/leaks. The proposed improvements would replace this old aeration system with a more energy-efficient system. The last improvement item is the replacement of the existing bar screen as the untreated wastewater enters the pond system. The current bar screen is wearing out due to the extremely corrosive environment it functions in, which is increasing the frequency of manual maintenance to keep the bar screen clean and large objects out of the pond. A new mechanical bar screen is planned to reduce maintenance and increase screening efficiency.

The projects I have requested funding for in FY24 are as follows:

Project Name: Silver Bay Water Treatment Facility Improvements
Proposed Recipient: City of Silver Bay
Requested Amount: $6,500,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Rehabilitation & upgrade to the municipal Water Treatment Facility to include construction of a new booster station/distribution main, replacement of raw water pumps, valve actuators, filter media, chemical feed equipment, roofing & building repairs, electrical & control upgrades, and bring facility up to regulatory requirements.

The facility is over 70 years old and mostly operating with original equipment and needs replacement of various treatment and pumping components to ensure reliable ongoing treatment and production of water for city’s users, including Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Mining. 

The most urgent concern is the original high-service pumps and finished water piping, which are used to convey water from the treatment facility to the water tower. The pumps are operating at an extremely rare high pressure of 230-psi (normal system is 50-80psi), which pump the water supply through a 2.5 mile main without any intermediate pumps between the water treatment facility and the water tower.  By adding a booster station, it would likely decrease pressures about 50%. 

The City of Silver Bay is an eligible applicant and solely owns the Water Treatment Facility and the land for the new booster station. The project will maintain the safe drinking water for the entire community, it will upgrade the existing water treatment facility, will improve the extremely high, rare, & unsafe pressures to a safer level, will minimize the risks of potential contaminants from entering the system, and will extend the useful life of the municipal existing system.

Final engineering has been completed and approved by the MN Department of Health.  The project is on the State’s Project Priority List (PPL) & Intended Use Plan (IUP) of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA), but no confirmation of funding being secured. 

Project Name: City of Braham Water and Wastewater Treatment Improvements
Proposed Recipient: City of Braham
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
The City of Braham is requesting federal funds to upgrade our water and wastewater plants and replace our primary City Well No. 3 and backup Well No. 2. Well No. 3 is currently listed as vulnerable for Tritium.

Water System – Replace existing cast iron watermains, hydrants, gate valves, lead water service lines, new well.

• Project will improve water quality and flow throughout the system by eliminating deteriorated cast iron mains and improve looping of the system to eliminate stagnant water. It will replace components of the system that contain lead, including joints in the existing watermain and lead service lines to individual residents.

Ground Water Well – Install a new well to provide water for the City.

• The City currently utilizes one well to supply the City with water. The City has an emergency well that was constructed in the late 1960s, however it is not capable of providing a reliable amount of water for an extended duration.

Wastewater Treatment Facility – Rehabilitate the existing treatment facility with updated controls and process equipment.

• The project will improve water quality of treated wastewater to meet MPCA requirements and will reduce operation and maintenance costs by upgrading controls and replacing equipment that continually breaks and needs replacements/repairs.

Wastewater Collection System – Replace existing vitrified clay sewer, deteriorated brick manholes, and vitrified clay sewer service laterals.

• Project will help eliminate inflow and infiltration of ground and rainwater into the system which the collection system and plant cannot handle. The project will reduce the number of pipe collapses that cause service disruption and potential sewer backups to residents and businesses.

Project Name: Northern Township Sewer and Water Infrastructure Project
Proposed Recipient: Northern Township
Requested Amount: $5,500,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Northern Township is requesting funding for phase 2 of our project to install a wastewater system around the Northwest end of Lake Bemidji.

Northern Township will install a wastewater system from the termini of the City of Bemidji system and continue north and east along CSAH 21 (Phase 1) and CSAH 20 (Phase 2), ending at Lake Bemidji State Park. The total wastewater system project is approximately 3 miles in length.

At the same time, Beltrami County will be reconstructing CSAH 20 from the intersection with CSAH 21 to the intersection with County Road 414 which is the entrance to Lake Bemidji State Park. The project will include storm sewer, curb and gutter, a multi-use trail along with Northern Township's water and sewer. The concurrence of the two projects will potentially save $1.5 million dollars on costs for the wastewater system project.

Lake Bemidji, the first city on the Mississippi river, is the focal point of the thriving regional center of Bemidji with over 15,000 residents and serves as the center for economic development for all of northern Minnesota. This resource welcomes hundreds of thousands of recreational users every year.

The wastewater system project will help maintain water quality of a shared natural resource of great importance to our region. There are currently many old septic systems that need updating and, with a low water table around much of the Lake, this puts the future water quality of the Lake in jeopardy.

 Timing is also important for this project as the major resort on the Lake, the MN DNR Regional Headquarters, and Lake Bemidji State Park all need to replace their major septic systems and favor connecting to central sewer services as the best long-term environmentally sound solution.

This project will realize a 50 plus year regional planning goal of adding sanitary sewer services to the northern side of Lake Bemidji and enhance the quality of life of residents and visitors for generations to come.

Project Name: Tower Stabilization Pond Expansion
Proposed Recipient: Tower-Breitung Wastewater Board
Requested Amount: $3,750,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
The Tower-Breitung Wastewater Board (TBWWB) is requesting funding to expand the wastewater capacity for the Tower and Breitung communities. The TBWWB serves over 1,100 residents between the City of Tower and Breitung Township.

The TBWWB has operated under a joint powers agreement since 1986 between the City of Tower and Breitung Township. TBWWB operates and maintains two wells, a water plant, a water tower, a wastewater plant consisting of three stabilization ponds, two sanitary sewer lift stations, and 15,000 feet of force main lines. The TBWWB’s existing facility was constructed in 1988 and is operating at near full capacity, which is a wet weather flow of 172,000 gallons per day.

The City of Tower and Breitung Township have reached their treatment capacity with the current system. The communities are expanding, especially with business development, and are unable to accommodate more growth without expanding capacity. Over the last several years, in order to mitigate the loss of capacity, the TBWWB, City of Tower, and Breitung Township have all implemented plans to reduce the inflow and infiltration (I&I). The communities continue their focus on decreasing I&I to maintain the limited capacity of our wastewater system; however, these efforts do not provide for the growth the communities are experiencing. After exploring different options, the TBWWB found that the installation of an additional cell to our existing pond system would be the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option to provide the additional capacity needed for continued growth.

The TBWWB is requesting funding for the construction of a fourth stabilization pond which will increase the existing three-cell, 26.4-acre pond facility by 13.2 acres, increasing the wastewater capacity from 172,000 gallons per day to 258,000 gallons per day. This project is environmentally friendly and uses natural processes to treat wastewater.

Project Name: Moose Lake Inflow & Infiltration Reduction Project
Proposed Recipient: St. Louis County
Requested Amount: $2,400,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Moose Lake has proposed residential and commercial developments in the City that are currently stalled up by the lack of treatment capacity in their wastewater ponds. The City treats wastewater flows from the City, Moose Lake Township, and the Moose Lake Department of Correction (DOC). Currently, the City wastewater pond system is at 93% of design capacity. The MPCA typically begins evaluation of pond facilities at 80% of treatment capacity. In their current situation, the City can either increase pond capacity or reduce the amount of Inflow/Infiltration (I&) into their collection system. Ultimately, the wastewater pond capacity is limiting growth and development in the City of Moose Lake.

The purpose of this project is to quickly create capacity to allow for new development. As of early 2023, the proposed developments in the City that are pending include:

• City campground expansion (21 site expansion)
• Moose Lake Brewery Expansion (proposed 4 times current production)
• Sand Lake Resort (proposed 70 units)
• Residential Development on TH 73 (single-family homes)
• Old Moose Lake School Redevelopment (TBD)

In addition, the DOC campuses are not at full capacity and if their population increased, the City would not be able to treat the additional wastewater flows.

The City is proposing to line 15,000 feet of sanitary sewer mains and 88 manholes to reduce the I&I in their system. Being proactive, the City has completed three lining projects and had positive results with this method. Even with this success, the City budget limits how much improvement they can make on an annual basis. Most of the sewer mains and manholes in the City are over 50 years old and experience some level of I&I.

Project Name: Harris Interchange/Downtown Redevelopment Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Harris
Requested Amount: $1,679,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Phase I of the Project is to extend municipal sewer and water from where it currently ends at the intersection of County State Aid Hwy 10 (CSAH 10) and Garden Avenue to a point on the east side of the CSAH 10/Interstate Hwy 35 Interchange.

Phase II of the Project will continue extending the municipal sewer and water under I-35 to the northwest quadrant of CSAH 10/I-35 Interchange.

The City of Harris is located approximately fifty miles north of the Twin Cities and spans both sides of Interstate Hwy 35, which connects Duluth, Minnesota to/from Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. There is one interstate interchange in Harris at CSAH 10. The area around this interchange has room for business growth, but expansion cannot occur without Phase I and Phase II extension of municipal sewer and water. The lack of municipal sewer and water has significantly limited growth. Having areas ready to develop is necessary for business expansion. The City of Harris has missed opportunities because we are one of the few municipalities on the Interstate corridor that do not have sewer and water at the Interchange.

Project Name: City of Ely Water Supply Improvements
Proposed Recipient: City of Ely
Requested Amount: $3,384,750
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
The City of Ely’s water pump house, intake structure and intake line were originally constructed in 1932, over 90 years ago. The intake line runs approximately 25,000 from Burntside Lake to the municipal water plant located in the northwest corner of Ely. In most areas, the water line was buried less than four feet deep.  However, where the line crosses the rivers and other wetlands the intake lines are exposed or have very little insulation. The wooden bridges that support the open water crosses were last updated in 1970.  Over the past 53 years, these bridges have become structurally unsound, with severely deteriorated cross beams and pilings. The pilings that support the crossings are believed to be original from 1932. The exposed sections of water line have connecting hardware that has experienced corrosion.  The water intake structure in Burntside Lake also has significant corrosion on the pipe flanges and hardware and is in immediate need of repair. Multiple leaks have occurred along the water line due to movement during the winter months due to the lack of insulation and the minimal depth at which the line was buried. When this line leaks the City must respond as an emergency situation as this is the sole source of drinking water for the City which typically uses 600,000 gallons per pay. Access to the water line is very difficult due to the wetlands and open water crossings. Replacement of this infrastructure is necessary to insure the reliability of water supply to the City of Ely.

Project Name: Aitkin, MN Wastewater Plant Upgrade
Proposed Recipient: City of Aitkin
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
The City of Aitkin has an undersized, outdated wastewater treatment facility that has met the end of its functional life cycle. Time has taken its toll on the facility, and continued maintenance is futile. Discharge regulations have become more stringent, and our old facility was not designed to meet thresholds in effect at this time. Residences have increased, medical facilities and businesses have expanded in our region, and the limitations of our existing wastewater facility are at our doorstep:

• The City of Aitkin provides Regional Wastewater Treatment for the City and surrounding area. 12 Townships that are considered rural benefit from our facilities operation.
• As a Regional Center, Aitkin provides wastewater and City services to over $200 million dollars in “non-profit” government, medical, law enforcement and non-tax paying organizations. Although these employers are good for our community, the lack of revenue limits our ability to provide upgrades.
• The City of Aitkin has businesses in our community that need improved treatment at the Wastewater Facility to support the process utilized in their manufacturing operations.
• The City of Aitkin lacks the capacity needed to expand workforce housing and utility services to a growing Regional Medical Center.
• There is an $80 million dollar expansion for a new surgical center at Riverwood Regional Medical Center. This new facility would be near this Regional Center, and City of Aitkin could provide continued high-quality service to them.
• The City of Aitkin school system has acquired a new site location on the South end of Aitkin, and if the school is ever able to build there, the City of Aitkin will need an upgraded wastewater service for the school and housing development.
• Workforce Housing and multi-family housing will all need upgraded services for us to grow and develop in the future.

Project Name: City of Buhl Water Infrastructure Improvements
Proposed Recipient: City of Buhl
Requested Amount: $3,047,500
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Phase 3 of the Buhl Capital Improvement Project (CIP) consists of the repair/refurbishment/restoration/reconstruction/replacement of the city’s aging/deteriorating water storage system, including elevated tower and ground storage basin, additional infrastructure piping and services installation for its municipal South Industrial Park, and complete new development of additional residential infrastructure and services.

The City of Buhl, population 1,000, has completed phases 1 & 2 of this CIP. To date, the City has invested over $10,000,000 toward these municipal infrastructure upgrades, including upwards of $1,100,000 in 2022 alone. It is important to note that all of these upgrades have come without increasing the municipal property tax burden on the city’s residents & businesses, and has continued to allow the City to maintain some of the lowest utility service rates on Minnesota’s Iron Range.

The city is strategically positioned mid-way and between larger, more developmentally mature, municipalities on Minnesota’s central Mesabi Iron Range, and, as such, is in a favorable position for growth if it can offer facilities and amenities desirable to business and the general populace alike. One of the best ways of strategizing and marketing these future growth opportunities is to complete the important improvements in the City’s utility infrastructure and services components that are considered here. These outcomes will contribute substantially to and solidify the City’s desirability position in attracting future and retaining existing developmental initiatives.

Currently, the City does not and cannot offer utility services reasonably expected by commercial or industrial investors due to the lack of infrastructure and/or services. Consequently, the City cannot compete with nearby communities to locate these investments in its boundaries.  

Phase 3 is time-sensitive, and is intended and designed to serve the community as a whole, well into the next several decades.

Project Name: Bridge 58510 replacement on CSAH 61 over Snake River, Pine City, MN
Proposed Recipient: Pine City
Requested Amount: $2,800,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Bridge 58510 located in Pine City over the Snake River was constructed in 1976 and is owned by Pine County.  The 325’ long bridge is 49’ wide including an 8’ sidewalk and carries 8,400 vehicles/day.  The last 5 years, the prestressed box girders and steel shell piling have shown signs of significant deterioration that requires major rehabilitation or bridge replacement and has reduced the capacity of the bridge requiring a load posting. Due to the bridge approaching 50 years of age and the cost of rehabilitation, replacement has been chosen and the current estimate is approximately $3,500,000.

Project Name: Downtown Traffic Reliever Route, Walker, MN
Proposed Recipient: City of Walker
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
The proposed project includes the construction of two road segments on either end of the existing Tower Avenue on the south edge of the city. The first segment is 1,500 feet in length starting at the intersection of Division Street and extending east to connect Tower Avenue to TH 371. The second segment is 1,100 feet in length starting at the intersection of 5th Street and extending west to connect Tower Avenue to TH 34. The planned roadway includes an urban street section, with stormwater collection and treatment.

The project, as proposed, will be designed to increase safety by reducing seasonal traffic congestion on TH 371 within the heart of the city, providing an additional access to TH 371 east of town and TH 34 west of town, and allowing residential, commercial, and school traffic to bypass the city's downtown area.

The project will provide access to a significant amount of undeveloped commercial and residential property that is currently landlocked due to previously adopted MnDOT highway access restrictions. This roadway extension complies with current MNDOT highway access restrictions and allows further economic development and growth for the city and county along this corridor.

An Intersection Control Evaluation Report for the TH 371 connection was completed and reviewed by MnDOT in April of 2018.

Project Name: US Highway 8 Reconstruction
Proposed Recipient: Chisago County Public Works
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Highway 8 is an important interregional corridor that serves a variety of transportation needs. It is vital to sustaining local commerce and energizing future economic growth and vitality.

In recent years, Highway 8 has become increasingly strained due to high levels of daily commuters, large trucks hauling freight, and spikes in weekend recreational traffic.

A proliferation of secondary roads and private driveways provide direct access to and from Highway 8 which contribute to safety and mobility issues.

If awarded, the funding would be used to complete the US Highway 8 Reconstruction Project. This critical project expands eight miles of US Highway 8 between Interstate 35 and Karmel Avenue in the cities of Wyoming, Chisago City, and Forest Lake, Minnesota.

The corridor is part of the National Highway System and is vital to the local and regional economy. It connects the region to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Wisconsin and beyond, and it serves commercial freight, agricultural traffic, and commuter traffic. There is also significant traffic on weekends, and throughout the vacation season, as travelers move between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Northwest Wisconsin.

Federal funds will address critical capacity, access and safety issues along the eight-mile segment of US Highway 8. Currently, over 22,000 vehicles a day utilize the two-lane highway, creating safety and congestion issues that severely restrict economic development along the corridor. This project will also construct approximately 6.5 miles of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail that will connect into the Hardwood Creek and Sunrise Prairie Regional Trails, serving bicycle and pedestrian users.

The projects I have requested funding for in FY22 are as follows:

Project Name: U.S. Highway 8 Reconstruction
Project Location: 8-mile project in the cities of Chisago City, Wyoming and Forest Lake, MN
Project Sponsor: Chisago County
Requested Amount: $20 million
Member Certification Form

Project Name: Two Harbors Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements
Proposed Recipient: Two Harbors, MN
Address of Recipient: 522 1st Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Requested Amount: $10 million
Member Certification Form
About the Project:

Improvements to the wastewater treatment facility include construction of a new activated sludge biological treatment system and mercury removal improvements. This includes new aeration basins, final clarifiers, biosolids treatment units, mercury filter backwash supply tank, operations and controls building, and associated electrical and controls equipment.

The project is needed to provide adequate treatment of sewage prior to discharge to Lake Superior. Much of the existing facility is at the end of its useful life and continued operation of the existing facilities puts Lake Superior at risk of contamination from release of untreated or partially treated sewage.

A local craft beer company has created a tremendous economic boom for Two Harbors. This economic growth that is helping create a vibrant and healthy North Shore community is threatened by the aging sewer plant infrastructure, the capacity limitations, and the ever-looming threat of a moratorium on new sewer connections.

Two Harbors is a small town and without funding assistance, the cost of the project would mean excessive user fee increases, which the community could not financially support.

Further, a recent effluent mercury limit has led to the installation of filters that cannot withstand existing loadings leading to unreliable treatment at the sewer facility resulting in bypass events. The improvements are necessary to protect Lake Superior and to provide reliable treatment to support local residents and businesses.

This project would not only support the local economy through the city's partnership a local brewery, but would also provide the city with the opportunity for possible future partnership with Silver Creek Township to help the Township solve their own wastewater treatment issues. The project would provide treatment capacity for a potential future connection of a portion of Silver Creek Township to the city's system which would eliminate failing septic systems that are currently polluting Lake Superior.

Project Name: Little Falls Childcare Facility
Proposed Recipient: Little Falls, Minnesota
Address of Recipient: 100 7^th Ave NE Little Falls, Minnesota 56345
Requested Amount: $1.5 million
Member Certification Form 
About the Project:

The City has been advocating for childcare providers, including providing multiple testimonies by the City Administrator for State legislative committees, and a special forum with Governor Tim Walz in 2019. The City continues to work with the Initiative Foundation, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, League of Minnesota Cities, Sourcewell, Community Development of Morrison County, First Children's Finance and others to advocate for legislative funding to support providers and communities to help solve the crisis of childcare. What they have discovered is there is no "silver-bullet" solution to this crisis, but a wide variety of options that need to be brought to the table to give existing providers the support, resources, and respect they need to continue to do this work and to provide the funding, creativity, and encouragement to create opportunities for new or expanding providers to operate within our community.

There are several variables to increasing the available childcare slots in our community: capital facility costs, operating expenses, available childcare providers, and demand for childcare. As previously stated, they have a great need for childcare, and over the past 4 years they have addressed many of the variables; however, the lone variable that they have not been able to solve has been funding for the renovation or construction of a facility. The request for funding would be used to fulfill the variable of financing a facility. The site would be owned by the City of Little Falls, and access would be given to a provider or providers to use the space at no cost in the early years of operation so that they can get established. The City will work to create a partnership with a childcare provider to ensure there is access to reliable, affordable and quality childcare.

Access to reliable, affordable, quality childcare is the main barrier for parents in Little Falls seeking to enter the workforce. The community has a critical need for workers, and by increasing the availability of childcare, hundreds of capable, productive employees could enter the workforce. The community is poised for growth and improvement, but solving the childcare issue is a challenge that requires public-private partnerships and access to financial resources beyond what the City can provide on its own.

Project Name: Pine County Broadband Expansion
Proposed Recipient: Pine County
Address of Recipient: 635 Northridge Dr NW, Suite 200, Pine City, MN 55063
Requested Amount: $7.435 million
Member Certification Form
About the Project:

Pine County, located in Minnesota Congressional District 8 is seeking funds to complete Broadband initiatives to underserved areas within Pine County, specifically census tract 9504. According to MN Compass, there are 4,835 people who live in census tract 9504 who will be supported by the broadband infrastructure project. The desire is to bring reliable, convenient, and affordable broadband to the 2440 households and businesses within census tract 9504. The project will also provide service to approximately 50 farms, St. Croix State Park, St. Croix State Forest, Pine Grove Academy, Mille Lacs Band Health and Human Services, Lake Country Homes, Pathfinder Village, St. Croix River Resort, Countryside Campground, Two Creeks Campground, 49'rs Training Camp, and many other small businesses and resort communities.

This census tract encompassed all the ingredients to be one of the worst areas hit medically and economically by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, given its high poverty and heavy reliance on the leisure and hospitality industry.

From an education standpoint, the lack of reliable technology resulted in many students not having the necessary technology to safely distance learn. Many families resorted to sitting in their cars in a parking lot to utilize a business free Wi-Fi, or even worse their children did not complete their assignments at all. And finally, the lack of technology has left many community members without the ability to utilize telehealth visits with their medical providers, leaving them to either miss appointments altogether or put themselves at risk to be in person.

Closing the gap for broadband services in the community is a high priority. Census Tract 9504 has historically been underserved, despite neighboring communities developing infrastructure. There are 2,440 household within Census Tract 9504 who will enjoy a better quality of life with reliable and affordable broadband service. The area will also be equipped to handle an expansion of commerce once the technology infrastructure is in place.

Project Name: City of Virginia 2021/2023 Street and Infrastructure Improvements Project - Phase One, Stage Two
Proposed Recipient: City of Virginia, MN
Address of Recipient: 327 1st Street South, Virginia MN 55792
Requested Amount: $2 million
Member Certification Form
About the Project:

The City of Virginia Comprehensive Plan (2017) challenged City Leaders to "Review opportunities for multimodal transportation improvements enhancing access, walkability and aesthetics to primary thoroughfares in the Community". After the adoption of this Comprehensive Plan, the City took this challenge into consideration and identified that one of their top priorities was street repair and restoration –not only for vehicle traffic but for all modes of traffic. At their regular Council meeting on November 26, 2019, the Virginia City Council ordered preparation of a Feasibility Report for the 2021 Street and Infrastructure Improvements project.

During the preparation of the Feasibility Study, they identified the "worst road segments" and found that they exhibited alligator cracking, settlements in pavement, potholes, and serious deterioration of the surface. All road surfaces are considered to be in "poor condition". Sidewalks (varying in width from 4-5 feet) are present in many areas but are also deteriorated, broken up, and heaving/settling and are not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

The curbs and gutters are cracked, heaved/settled, and chipped and do not properly facilitate the drainage. The storm sewer manholes, catch basins, and 12-inch to 18-inch diameter vitrified clay pipe (VCP) storm sewer pipe have also passed their design life.

Many of the utility mains, pipes and connections to water and sanitary sewer are old and deteriorated. In many instances, the utilities are beyond the intended life span of their original design and installation. Inflow and infiltration was apparent due to the poor condition of storm water and sewer connections to the City mains.

The project is proposed to be completed in two separate phases that will occur in two separate stages. Phase One, Stage 1 and Stage 2 will require all construction to occur in calendar years 2021 and 2022.

Proposed road segments for Phase One, Stage One, which are to be substantially completed in 2021, are:

• 8th Avenue West from 8th Street South to 3rd Street South

• 10th Avenue West from 3rd Street South to 2nd Street South

• 3rd Street South from 9th Avenue W to 6th Avenue West

• Pine Mill Court

Proposed road segments for Phase One, Stage Two, which are to be substantially completed in 2022, are:

• 3rd Avenue West from 1st Street North to 2nd Avenue West

• Southern Drive from 14th Avenue West to 20th Street South

Proposed improvements to the roads include a full reconstruction of the subgrade, base, curb and gutter, ditching (where applicable), and surface. The roads will be surfaced with bituminous pavement. The overall width of the road will be designed to meet typical design standards. Perforated polyethylene (PE) drain tile pipe will be installed at the bottom of the road section to allow for subgrade and base drainage to help keep water out of the road bed and significantly reduce possible failures (i.e., settlement, heaving, cracking, etc.).

Sidewalks will be reconstructed to meet current ADA standards, including widths, grades, and accessible pedestrian ramps. Utilities (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main) will be upgraded to provide many years of continued service to the citizens of Virginia.

This is a priority to the City of Virginia residents as improved streets not only allow for better mobilization, but it also improves the appearance of the City, reduces repairs and maintenance costs, and instills a greater sense of pride when one can traverse a street safely.

Project Name: Minnesota Meat Cutting & Butchery Program Development
Proposed Recipient: AgCentric
Address of Recipient: 1830 Airport Road, Staples, MN 56479
Requested Amount: $3 million
Member Certification Form
About the Project:

The Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence (AgCentric) is an educational leader in connecting industry and education to meet the regions' needs. AgCentric is housed at Central Lakes College and is one of eight Centers within Minnesota State.

This project has three major phases to bring about a meat cutting and butchery career pathways and service industry needs:

• Phase 1: Form a comprehensive industry advisory that covers farm to plate including inspection agency considerations. Phase 1 task is to assess the current situation and provide guidance on program design that is comprehensive but also time sensitive to meet immediate industry needs. Additionally, facilities and processes need to adhere to food inspection standards as the product moves from the farm to plate.

• Phase 2: Secure funding. Phase 2 commences as funding is provided to build out the existing facilities at to accommodate training. Hanging carcasses will be brought from farms and processed by enrolled students. Accommodations will include walk-in coolers large enough for up to 15 students and multispecies areas within the facility. The college has an industrial, fully-inspected kitchen to allow for the retail cuts side of the training. Funds will also allow the college to purchase processing equipment to allow multiple students to train simultaneously.

• Phase 3: Develop and open new mobile processing trailer. AgCentric and Central Lakes College will partner with an organization that has established farmer relationships to develop and operate a mobile slaughter and processing unit, but keep it separate from the state college system. This unit will be utilized both by the training program and serve the region's producers. There is a model of the partnership working in Montana: Montana recently partnered to purchase a USDA-inspected mobile slaughter unit as a part of their meat processing curriculum. Private entities in Minnesota also operate mobile slaughter units.

The needs study indicates that this program is needed to assure a more diverse network of meat cutters and local outlets for processing. The hands-on and entrepreneurial program design, short-term format and business ownership orientation will ensure that the program serves as a driver for economic growth within the District. While the meat processing "bottleneck" has long been recognized as a regional issue, the pandemic exacerbated the issue and clearly demonstrated both the negative economic impact and risk that the bottleneck poses to the industry and the region. The farmers experienced financial losses when animals could not be slaughtered in a timely manner, and in some cases were required to be desiccated all together.

Project Name: Twin Ports Interchange Work Package #4 Garfield/I-535 Interchange
Proposed Recipient: MnDOT District 1 – Duluth
Address of Recipient: 1123 Mesaba Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811
Requested Amount: $29.6 million
Member Certification Form
About the Project:

This project (Twin Ports Interchange Work Package #4 Garfield/I-535 Interchange) was part of the original Twin Ports Interchange project, which began the fall of 2020, and will be completed the summer of 2024. Due to a lack of funding, it was deferred until 2028. The original scope of the TPI project was to replace the main interchange of I-35, I-535 and US Highway 53 in addition to the interchange of I-535 and Garfield Avenue near the Port of Duluth. The project goals are to increase safety (the main interchange has the fourth highest crash rate of any MnDOT interchange), to replace aging infrastructure (the interchange was coming to the end of its life at the same time as the Blatnik Bridge) and to increase freight mobility.

In regard to freight mobility, the main interchange and the I-535/Garfield interchange are on the first and last mile to the Port of Duluth. There is a tremendous amount of oversize/overweight (OSOW) freight in and out of the port. They cannot travel on either interchange because of load restrictions and substandard geometry and are forced to travel city streets and county roads in order to leave or enter the port – causing increased time and cost, travel delays for the public and decreased competitiveness for the port. The main interchange is now being constructed and will be complete in 2024, but until the I-535/Garfield interchange is reconstructed, OSOW loads will not be able to directly access the interstate and will continue to leave Duluth on local roads. In addition, the project in totality was staged and designed to reconstruct the I-535/Garfield interchange with a complete closure of I-535 in conjunction with the main I- 35/I-535/USTH 53 interchange because I-535 is cut-off from I-35 as a result of the man interchange reconstruction. If this project is awarded funding in 2022, it can be reconstructed as currently staged and designed, will eliminate an additional two years of I-535 closure or restriction, will eliminate or minimize re-design/re-staging of the I- 535/Garfield project, will save approximately $14 million of inflation costs and allow OSOW loads to enter and leave the port directly on the interstate meeting the original TPI project goal of increasing freight mobility. This is currently the closest project to shovel ready in MnDOT's current program.

Project Name: Trunk Highway (TH) 95 Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Rail Switch Relocation
Proposed Recipient: City of Cambridge, Minnesota
Address of Recipient: 300 Third Avenue NE, Cambridge, MN 55008
Requested Amount: $800,000
Member Certification Form 
About the Project:

The project relocates the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad switching equipment approximately one-half mile from its current location next to TH 95 in Cambridge. In its current location, switching activities block the BNSF rail crossing of TH 95 for extended periods of time.

Relocating the railroad switch is vital to the City of Cambridge. During switching operations, closures of the TH 95 rail crossing can last up to 45 minutes. With only two other locations for drivers to cross the BNSF rail line in Cambridge, the closures create gridlock. Approximately 15 trains travel through Cambridge each day. Closures are especially disruptive to public safety and emergency services, school buses, commuters, and freight providers. The switch relocation is the first phase of a project programmed for 2025 to reconstruct TH 95 in Cambridge.

The projects I have requested funding for in FY23 are as follows:

Project Name: City of Cromwell Broadband Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Cromwell 
Address of Recipient: 1272 Highway 73, PO BOX 74, Cromwell, MN 55726
Requested Amount: $607,970
Member Certification Form
About the Project: 
The City of Cromwell is in desperate need of Broadband. This project will provide last mile connectivity. Every resident representing 134 locations within the City of Cromwell and all new facilities including the soon to be constructed 55+ senior living facility will be connected. In addition to the approximately 100 residential locations, services will be made available to the nearly 25 businesses in the City including the United States Post Office.

Project Name: East Mesabi Water Project
Proposed Recipient: City of Aurora
Address of Recipient: 16 West Second Avenue North, Aurora, MN 55705
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
The East Mesabi Water Project is a multiple phase project which will provide drinking water to the City of Aurora, Town of White ("TOW"), Hoyt Lakes and Biwabik. The completion of this project will provide safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water for the communities of Aurora, Town of White and the cities of Biwabik and Hoyt Lakes. Studies have shown that the new water source (Embarrass Mine Lake) has an abundance of water, contains water of a quality that has 81% less sulfates and water hardness that is 63 % lower than the existing St. James Pit source. In contrast, the existing St. James Pit water source is subject to rising water levels, Zebra mussel infestation and increasing sulfate concentrations.

Project Name: US Highway 8 Reconstruction
Proposed Recipient: Chisago County Public Works
Address of Recipient: 313 N Main St. City Center, MN 55012
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Highway 8 is an important interregional corridor that serves a variety of transportation needs. It is vital to sustaining local commerce and energizing future economic growth and vitality. In recent years, Highway 8 has become increasingly strained due to high levels of daily commuters, large trucks hauling freight, and spikes in weekend recreational traffic. A proliferation of secondary roads and private driveways provide direct access to and from Highway 8 which contribute to safety and mobility issues. The funding would be used to complete the US Highway 8 Reconstruction Project. This critical project expands eight miles of US Highway 8 between Interstate 35 and Karmel Avenue in the cities of Wyoming, Chisago City, and Forest Lake, Minnesota.

Project Name: Shorewood Park Sanitary District Expansion
Proposed Recipient: Shorewood Park Sanitary District
Address of Recipient: PO Box 718 Rush City, MN 55069
Requested Amount: $1,900,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
This project extends the community sewer around part of Rush Lake and expands its wastewater treatment pond to lower phosphorus levels. This project is important to the water quality of the entire Lower St. Croix River due to private septic systems that are impacting the water quality of Rush Lake and Rush Creek. Rush Lake is the largest lake in the I-35 corridor between Forest Lake and Lake Superior.

Project Name: Milaca Airport Road
Proposed Recipient: City of Milaca
Address of Recipient: 255 1st Street East Milaca, MN 56353
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
This project improves a one-mile-long road located within four local jurisdictions in central Minnesota (City of Milaca, Borgholm Township, Milaca Township, and Mille Lacs County). The project will provide a vital link between the municipal airport and two industrial park areas. When completed, the project will improve conditions for economic development in the region. The project will also improve safety conditions and improve access for all corridor users.

Project Name: CSAH 91 and CSAH 54 Reconstruction
Proposed Recipient: St. Louis County
Address of Recipient: 4787 Midway Road Duluth, MN 55811
Requested Amount: $2,400,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
St. Louis County plans to resurface (mill and overlay) Haines Road and Piedmont Avenue in 2023. The project on Haines Road begins at Morris Thomas Road and ends at Airport Road for a total length of 4.0 miles. The project on Piedmont Avenue begins at Haines Road and ends at Chambersburg Avenue for a total length of 0.94 mile. Haines Road provides several significant functions for the regional transportation system. It serves as the primary access to the Duluth International Airport. Haines Road has one of the highest Annual Average Daily Traffic volumes at greater than 10,000 vehicles per day.

Project Name: Beltrami County CSAH 20 Reconstruction
Proposed Recipient: Beltrami County
Address of Recipient: 701 Minnesota Ave. NW Ste.200, Bemidji, MN 56601
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Beltrami County will be reconstructing CSAH 20 from the intersection with CSAH 21 to Lake Bemidji State Park. The road project is approximately 1.5 miles in length. This road is a critical access point to the area that is home to thousands of acres of public land and numerous lakes, used for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and other recreational uses. The route is also used by commercial businesses such as timber haulers and aggregate producers. Improving the road will benefit all of these users.

Project Name: Northern Township Sewer and Water Infrastructure Project
Proposed Recipient: Northern Township
Address of Recipient: 445 Town Hall Rd NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Requested Amount: $7,900,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
Northern Township will be installing water and sanitary sewer extensions from the City of Bemidji. The project would start at the termini of facilities on Birchmont Drive and continue north and east along CSAH 21 and CSAH 20, ending at Lake Bemidji State Park. The water and sewer project is approximately 3 miles in length.

Lake Bemidji is the focal point of the thriving regional center of Bemidji with over 15,000 residents and serves as a center for economic development in northern Minnesota. This resource welcomes hundreds of thousands of recreational users every year. There are currently many old septic systems that need updating and with a low water table around much of the Lake, this puts the future water quality of the Lake in jeopardy.

Project Name: Aitkin Regional Water Tower Upgrade
Proposed Recipient: City of Aitkin
Address of Recipient: 130 Southgate Drive - Suite 200, Aitkin, MN 56431
Requested Amount: $2,320,000
Member Certification Form
About the Project:
The City of Aitkin has a small, undersized, outdated water tower that has met the end of its functional life cycle. As the years have passed and businesses have expanded in our region, the limitations of the existing tower are becoming clearer.

For future economic development, community growth and regional development, a new water tower is needed that will meet the needs of the community and region. This project will fund the construction of a new hydropillar, (water tower) well house, pumping station and connection to the existing municipal water delivery system.

Water Resources Development Act of 2022
Project Name: Section 569 - Northeastern Minnesota
Location: The Section 569 program area includes the northeastern Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Cook, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, St. Louis and Wadena.
Sponsor: Program responsibilities are shared between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District and the Detroit District.
Requested Amount: Sec. 7001 recommended authorization of $80,000,000
Member Certification Form