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Brainerd council backs federal grant applications, rejects water‑reclamation bids and adopts 10‑year CIP
Summary
Council adopted resolutions supporting federal grant applications for the Lumb Pedestrian Bridge (Carbon Reduction Program and Active Transportation, $1M each; Transportation Alternatives $800K) and an Oak Street surface transportation block grant ($1.25M); it concurred with PUC's recommendation to reject bids for the water reclamation backwash building and approved the 2025–2034 capital improvement plan.
The Brainerd City Council on Dec. 16 approved several grant application resolutions and a 10‑year capital improvement plan and agreed with a commission recommendation to reject bids on a water‑reclamation project that came in well over budget.
Chair of the Safety & Public Works Committee Mike O'Day outlined a package of federal grant applications supporting the Lumbar Pedestrian Bridge and related active-transportation work. Council adopted the Carbon Reduction Program application for $1,000,000, an Active Transportation $1,000,000 application and a Transportation Alternatives application for $800,000. Council also approved a Surface Transportation Block Grant application for Oak Street reconstruction ($1,250,000). O'Day noted the federal grants typically require an 80/20 local match.
On the water reclamation and backwash building, committee discussion noted the project had been budgeted at roughly $6.5 million with a $5 million state appropriation, but the lowest construction bid returned at about $10,300,000. The Public Utilities Department asked to reject all bids and the council concurred to allow staff to re-evaluate scope and funding options.
Council also adopted the city's 2025–2034 capital improvement plan after committee presentation and clarification about specific 2025 projects such as the Evergreen Storm Sewer Outfall Repair Project.
Council approved a shared service agreement with the EDA for $17,000 for 2025 and authorized staff to advertise for proposals for Statewide Affordable Housing Aid funds with a Jan. 24 submittal deadline.
