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Cook moves to preserve state funding eligibility for wastewater improvements
Summary
Bolton & Menk told the council the wastewater project scope expanded from a school demolition to a larger wastewater/water infrastructure improvement; the council authorized a facility-plan amendment and Clean Water PPL application (fee up to $7,500) to preserve state grant eligibility.
The Cook City Council authorized Bolton & Menk on Feb. 25 to prepare a wastewater facility plan amendment and submit an application to the State's Clean Water Project Priority List (PPL) to maintain the city's eligibility for state grants and loans.
Client Service Manager Luke Heikkila outlined the revised project scope, saying the work has moved beyond demolishing the Old Cook School to a broader Wastewater/Water Infrastructure Improvement Project aimed at addressing aging concrete structures and eroded dikes, repairing or replacing the failing Littlefork River crossing, reducing inflow and infiltration (I&I), and installing approximately 4,500 linear feet of new PPE water main plus a PVC sewer interceptor. The scope also includes targeted sewer lining, spot repairs, new service connections, valves and manholes, and creation of a looped water system to improve pressure and redundancy.
Heikkila told councilors the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has identified necessary improvements to maintain compliance and that utility constraints along County Highway 115 are constraining local employers' ability to expand. To preserve placement on the Clean Water PPL and remain eligible for state funding, Heikkila proposed preparing a technical memorandum, updating cost estimates and submitting the PPL application for a fee not to exceed $7,500. Councilors voted to authorize the amendment and the PPL submission.
Why it matters: The amendment and PPL application are required steps for state grant and loan programs that can underwrite major wastewater and water infrastructure work. City officials said improvements will address structural deterioration and help enable business growth by improving pressure and sewer capacity. The deadline to place or maintain projects on the Clean Water PPL was presented as March 6, 2026.
Next steps: Bolton & Menk will prepare the technical memorandum and updated cost estimates and submit the PPL application by the stated deadline; council authorization included the fee cap of $7,500.
