Bonding committee tours critical local infrastructure projects
By: Senator John Jasinski
As you know, I am a member of the Senate’s Capital Investment Committee. When the legislature is not in session, our biggest agenda item is to tour infrastructure project proposals around the state. These bonding tours are critical to help us learn about community needs and see projects with our own eyes.
Over the last few months we have been all over the state, but at the end of November I finally had the opportunity to welcome my fellow committee members to Goodhue, Rice, and Waseca Counties to learn more about a few of our local priorities. Let me share with you some of what we saw on our tour.
Waseca is in urgent need of two public works projects: wastewater system improvements and expanded water storage capacity. The city has faced repeated wastewater overflows during major storms, resulting in sewage discharge directly into nearby lakes on several occasions due to an outdated sanitary sewer system. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has mandated that the city address this issue to avoid continued contamination of surface waters. The proposed $5.4 million project would significantly reduce stormwater infiltration and upgrade sewer pipes to prevent future overflows.
In addition, the city has outgrown its current water storage capacity and supply infrastructure to meet demand and fire protection needs. It would cost about $4.4 million, but construction of a new 1 million gallon elevated water tower would address storage limitations and deliver increased pressure and flow capacity.
In Zumbrota we heard more about the proposed North Zumbro Sewer district, which would be a regional sanitary sewer district serving Goodhue, Pine Island, Wanamingo, Zumbrota, and Prairie Island Indian Community. These communities have wastewater treatment facilities that are at the end of their lifecycles. They desperately need new infrastructure. This project would bring lower treatment costs, better performance, and $500,000 in annual operations savings. We secured $10 million last session for pre-design, design, and engineering work, but they need more to get it constructed.
In Morristown we evaluated plans for a major $2 million reconstruction of roads, sewer, and water lines near the middle school. Many existing utility lines date back to the 1920’s and require replacement. Upgrading the storm sewer system would also fix flooding issues that have plagued the town. The nature of the aging pipes and pavement make this an urgent project.
We also visited Janesville to review plans for the Janesville Area Community & Daycare Center. This facility would provide essential services to Janesville residents of all ages, including a daycare center, community gathering spaces, recreational facilities, meeting rooms, and a library. There is a pressing need for expanded childcare in Janesville. The current school-based daycare is at full capacity, requiring families to seek care outside of town. The new daycare center has the potential to serve over 100 additional children. The community center would also allow the daycare to offer indoor gym and play space. And the library is currently housed in an outdated, 100-year-old building needing accessibility upgrades and technology improvements.
In Faribault, we learned about plans for the new downtown park, which evolved out of extensive community engagement as part of the city’s Downtown Master Plan. This park will serve as a vibrant gathering space and provide recreational opportunities like an outdoor skate loop that can be used in all seasons. Projects like this that draw people downtown are key for boosting small businesses and revitalizing communities.
We also discussed updates to the Rice & Steele County 911 Center. This facility has simply outgrown its current capacity, seriously impacting their ability to operate. The proposed expansion at the Rice County Law Enforcement Center in Faribault will give them adequate, modernized space to serve residents efficiently while allowing room to incorporate future growth and technology needs. We preach the importance of public safety and safe communities, and making sure emergency responders have functional facilities is a key part of that mission.
There are about $7 billion worth of bonding requests from communities around the state, so we really need to think about wants versus needs. I am grateful the committee took the time to visit our area and see why these projects are necessities – and in many cases, urgent necessities. As always, I will be a strong advocate for our local communities when we put together a bonding bill next year.