Rochester Leaders Approve Nearly $100 Million Project

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council has given final approval for a nearly $100 million public works project.

See Also: Major Rochester Road Project Could be Delayed Until 2025

Elected officials took the final step in the pre construction process on Monday night. The approval of the contracts has led to a ground-breaking ceremony that’s set to occur later this week.

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

Funding for Nearly $100 Million Public Works Project Approved by Rochester City Council

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

Councilmembers approved a plan Monday night to fund the massive project, which has a price tag of $98 million. The project website indicates construction costs $92 million and engineering costs $6 million.

Rochester Water Reclamation Plant. Google

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 news release says.

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

Kim David/TSM

City officials note the project would 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

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.

There’s a groundbreaking ceremony planned for Friday afternoon at the Water Reclamation Plant.

The first of four phases of construction is set to start in February. Work on the massive public works project is set to be completed by the end of 2026.