SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) presented legislation to the House Capital Investment Committee investing $2.5 million in new water and sewer infrastructure within the city of Floodwood.
“Floodwood is a small, extremely property-tax poor city. They simply don’t have the capacity to make these large-scale investments on their own and as a result, public infrastructure continues to deteriorate,” Rep. Sandstede said. “The state and local partnership to improve water and sewer infrastructure would help make the community attractive for new home construction and businesses looking to expand or relocate while ensuring existing residents can have the water quality they deserve.”
The proposal seeks to extend water and sewer mains, along with the necessary street construction, along County Road 8, US Highway 2, and State Highway 73 to serve new residents and businesses along these major roadways in the city. The project would also expand municipal water and sewer service to many residents with substandard and failing septic systems.
Former Floodwood Mayor Dave DeNoyer joined Rep. Sandstede for the hearing to explain how the community is counting on state investment to complete the project, which – including a $2.5 million local match – will cost a total of $5 million.
Later this session, the committee will assemble a full capital investment package. Video of the hearing is available on YouTube courtesy of House Public Information Services. More information on the proposal is available from Minnesota Management and Budget.