This project summary first appeared in the Spring 2025 KCED Newsletter published on Wednesday, April 2nd. The full newsletter can be found here.
Investing in Local Water Resource Infrastructure Projects
In 2024, two cities and Kandiyohi County received funding for water resource infrastructure projects from the State of Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.
Atwater
North Side Sanitary Sewer Replacement
$3,487,059 – Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF)
North Side Watermain Replacement
$4,362,602 – Drinking Water SRF Loan
Water Treatment Plant & Well Improvement Project
• Drinking Water SRF Emerging Contaminant Grant – $3 Million
• Drinking Water SRF Hardship Grant – $2.3 Million
• Drinking Water SRF Loan – $600,000
The City of Atwater’s North Side Improvement Project is in its second year of construction. Construction work will include the replacement of the streets, sanitary sewer, watermain, and storm sewer. The project area includes approximately 140 residences and businesses that will be provided new sanitary sewer and water services. The project is scheduled to meet final completion in June of 2026.
The City of Atwater will also be improving its drinking water supply and treatment with its Water Treatment Plant and Well Improvement Project. The new plant and well will be located on the west side of town and will improve the water quality throughout the city. The project is scheduled to begin the summer of 2025 with final completion of the project expected to occur in February of 2027. The project has been awarded to Eagle Construction Company of Little Falls, Minnesota.
As part of the funding process for the North Side Improvement Project and the Water Treatment Plant and Well Improvement Project, the State of Minnesota has required an increase to water and sewer rates. Atwater has enjoyed some of the lowest rates in the state, so the increase makes the city’s rate comparable to that of other Minnesota cities.