Massive wastewater project coming to GF

Grand Forks is poised to enter into a contract with Advanced Engineering for design and planning of improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

The one-million dollar deal will pave the way for bids to go out next spring.  The total cost of the Phase One project is estimated at $13.7 million dollars.  The current plant dates back to 2003.   Grand Forks leaders say not only does the plant need a facelift – but the city needs more capacity for future economic development opportunities.

Water Works Director Melanie Parvey says there is a little bit of good news on the cost front in that the $33.1 million of the facilities original service debt will roll off the books at the end of 2021.

Funding could include American Rescue Plan Act dollars….wastewater enterprise fund construction cash…wastewater revenue bonds…and Bank of North Dakota infrastructure loans.

The city council gave preliminary approval to the professional services agreement last night (Monday).

Phase two of the four point plan is estimated at over $31 million dollars.