Council authorizes bids for Ninth Street reconstruction and lead‑service‑line work; project described as large, multi‑component effort

The International Falls City Council on April 7 authorized advertising for bids for a full reconstruction of Ninth Street from Third Avenue to Eleventh Avenue, combining major water and sewer work, lead service line replacement and a multi‑use bike/pedestrian trail. The motion to advertise bids passed 5‑0.

Why it matters: Council and public‑works staff said the project is a full reconstruction, not a mill‑and‑overlay, and will replace aging utilities, upgrade a 4‑inch cast‑iron water main to a minimum 6‑inch main and address lead service lines on Fifth and Sixth streets where grant funding is available. Combining utility replacement with street work makes the project eligible for additional state…