In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of the capital program, which totals approximately $2.9 billion. The conversation highlighted the allocation of funds between treatment plants and interceptors, with a near 50-50 split in spending. Currently, $1 billion is planned for spending over the next six years, focusing on preserving, expanding, and improving infrastructure.

A significant point of concern raised was the projected increase in wastewater rates due to escalating capital expenditures, which are expected to rise from $100 million in the past four years to an estimated $187 million in 2024, potentially reaching $300-$400 million in subsequent years. However, officials reassured stakeholders that the impact on rates would be manageable for three main reasons: competitive interest rates, historical project completion rates of about 65%, and a conservative planning approach that anticipates only 75% of authorized projects will be executed.

The council emphasized that while the full capital program is authorized, actual borrowing and rate-setting occur on an annual basis, allowing for flexibility in response to changing project needs and market conditions. The financing strategy includes public finance authority loans at low interest rates, general obligation bonds, and pay-as-you-go funding from operating revenues.

Officials also noted that the agency is a major participant in Minnesota's public finance authority, securing around $40 million annually from a total of $100 million available statewide. As the meeting concluded, the council acknowledged the importance of maintaining competitive rates while ensuring the necessary upgrades to the wastewater infrastructure.