GF wastewater rates targeted for future plant upgrades

Wastewater bills could be going up in Grand Forks to help finance a growing list of planned improvements at the treatment plant.  That repair bill could top $45 million dollars between now and 2027.

City administrator Todd Feland says the city is looking at various funding sources ranging from a state revolving loan fund to revenue bonds.  Feland says right now residential rates are in the middle of the pack when compared to regional cities -and the goal would be to keep them in that neighborhood.  “We are looking at about a 3% increase for residential users…so in 2030 instead of paying $33 a month it would $45 a month.”

Council member Bret Weber says it’s an important function that the city can’t neglect.  “This is so important to the economic health…public health…and basic function of the city.”

The city if facing aging infrastructure and increased capacity needs.  The next step is to ready a facility plan to be submitted to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for review.