Friends and neighbors,

This week at the Capitol, the Senate Capital Investment Committee heard a number of local project proposals that will be considered as part of a future bonding bill. This includes three local water projects that I am carrying this legislative session.

In our community, the City of South Haven’s water infrastructure systems are in very poor condition. Phase 1 to update the project is already funded and underway, including the new well and well house, water tower and water main distribution system work. However, additional drinking water, wastewater, storm and sewer improvements are necessary. To improve the quality of life and well-being for residents, the City is requesting $5.6 million to complete Phase 2 of their project. 

Additionally, the City of Monticello is looking to construct a new water treatment plant. This project is vital to ensuring that Monticello residents have access to safe, reliable drinking water, as the Department of Health found that the City’s raw water contains high levels of manganese. This mineral is essential to our bodies in trace amounts. However, too much manganese can be harmful. Keeping the safety of Monticello residents at the top of mind, the City is requesting $22 million in bond funds to ensure the timely completion of the $28 million project.

The final local project that was heard in this week’s Capital Investment Committee was the City of Delano’s water and sewer infrastructure proposal. This project seeks $3.2 million in bond funds to design and construct water, sewer and road extensions to serve an expanded industrial park. To date, the City has invested nearly $5.5 million in the industrial park, and they are now asking for the remaining amount necessary to complete improvements for this phase. The Delano industrial park is an economic engine for the community, and by expanding this park, additional businesses and job opportunities will result.

Clean, reliable water is essential to the well-being of our communities. I know that each of the local projects that we heard about this week is a worthy cause, and I hope to see them included in the larger bonding package. 

Constituents at the Capitol

The many local projects heard in committee came with many members of our community visiting the Capitol!

It was a privilege to have Phil Kern, Delano city administrator, testify on the importance of the Delano water and sewer project to the City’s economic development. Melissa Stenson, South Haven city clerk, also joined me in committee to speak on behalf of the water utility projects that are slated to be completed during Phase 2. And Matt Leonard, City of Monticello public works director and engineer, testified about how vital the new water treatment plant is to ensuring safe drinking water for residents.

Other visitors this week included City of South Haven representatives, including Mayor Norman Bodeker, City Clerk / Treasurer Melissa Stenson, and council members, Kaila Nicka and Dustin Nicka. We discussed the importance of the City’s proposed water utility improvements. 

I also had the opportunity to meet with a group of Wright Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) members. We discussed financial aid for not only Wright SWCD but for all 88 soil and water districts statewide. The statewide financial request is $22 million. We discussed the many projects Wright SWCD has completed and the ongoing need to help landowners navigate conservation programs. Members shared a thorough update on the status and work of Wright SWCD.

There were many other constituent visits this week, and it was great to see them all in St. Paul.

Contact My Office

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. I will continue to keep your thoughts and concerns in mind as legislation comes before me. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson