Wanamingo backs $44.8 million support request for North Zumbro sanitary sewer project

The Wanamingo City Council voted 3-0 on March 10, 2025, to approve a resolution supporting a $44.8 million capital request for the North Zumbro Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.

City Administrator Michael Boulton told the council the $44.8 million "is half of the costs minus the $10 million received in 2023 from the State. The total project costs, with inflation, is $109.6 million." The council discussed pursuing federal Community Project Funding and state bonding support to cover the remaining costs.

Goodhue County Commissioner Todd Greseth, who attended the meeting, said a county delegation will visit the State Capitol and that counties are "concerned with State level mandates... that are shifting the cost burden from the State onto County taxpayers." Greseth agreed to work with County Administrator Scott Arneson on a county letter of support for the federal request.

Boulton said the city intends to submit a federal Community Project Funding request to Congressman Brad Finstad and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith later in the week. Councilmembers noted the project's regional importance to four cities and the Prairie Island Indian Community and approved the council resolution on a unanimous vote.

The approval is a statement of support; it does not appropriate funds. Next steps include submission of the federal request and further lobbying at the state level for bonding authority and appropriations.