Ground Breaking for Major Rochester Project Happening Friday

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- City leaders will be on hand for a groundbreaking event Friday that marks the start of a major project in Rochester. 

Read More: Rochester Leaders Approve Nearly $100 Million Project 

Friday’s event comes after The Rochester City Council gave final approval Monday night on a plan to fund the nearly $100 million public works project. 

Monday night’s vote was the final vote taken by council members to upgrade the Rochester Water Reclamation Plant. 

City officials have previously said the costly upgrades are needed to replace aging equipment and to meet more stringent federal limits concerning phosphorus discharges. 

Officials say the equipment upgrade is expected to result in annual power consumption savings of $230,000 and $170,000 in annual chemical cost savings. 

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The project website indicates construction costs $92 million and engineering costs $6 million. It will be paid by taxpayers whose homes are connected to the city’s water and sewage systems. 

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The city has secured approval for a $70 million in low-interest loans from the Minnesota Public Facility Authority to fund the project’s construction, a city spokesperson has said. 

Officials say the project has also been awarded $7 million in grant funding and $1 million in principal loan forgiveness. 

City officials note the project will be done in phases to allow the treatment plant to continue operating. 

The new equipment needed to meet the tougher federal regulations will be installed within the confines of the existing water treatment facility. 

The event begins at 1 p.m. at the Rochester Water Reclamation Plant at 301 37th St. Northwest.