Congress approves federal funding for Pine City wastewater treatment pond upgrades

Congress has approved $750,000 in funding for upgrades to Pine City's wastewater treatment pond system, according to an announcement from U.S. senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith.

According to a news release from Klobuchar's office issued on Jan. 20, the Senate-passed legislation — which also secures $1 million for water infrastructure work in Kettle River — will now go to the President's desk to be signed into law.

“Water and wastewater infrastructure need to be upgraded to support Kettle River and Pine City’s growing needs,” Klobuchar wrote in the release. “The federal funding we secured will help make improvements to critical public services so residents have clean, safe water.”

Added Smith: “Clean water is an essential part of healthy, thriving communities. I was glad to help Kettle River and Pine City secure funding for these vital water infrastructure projects.”

Pine City Mayor Kent Bombard said the funding fell short of what the city hoped for on the federal level, but it's still a step in the right direction.

"It wasn't the amount that we had hoped for, but it's a start," Bombard said.

Pine City is also seeking about $7 million in state funds for the $14 million project, and hosted the House Capital Investment Committee for a tour of the wastewater treatment ponds in October.

Bombard said the state bonding committee will make a decision about funding later this spring.

The wastewater treatment facility serves nearly 30% of the homes in southern Pine County — about 1,825 properties — including the cities of Pine City and Henriette, and the Pokegama Lake and Cross Lake sewer districts.

The project's scope includes replacing the aeration system, adding riprap to stabilize and protect the pond banks, and replacing the existing bar screen to increase efficiency.

The work would also improve the quality of water released into the Snake River.

In October, Bombard said the 106-acre pond system has not seen significant improvements in over 50 years.

"At least it's a starting point," Bombard said. "Our ponds are workable, manageable. We're not in a dire need for immediate updates, so I think we can get started and do some good work with this."