New York Mills council authorizes bids for $10.9 million water treatment and well project

Michael Weber, of Apex Engineering Group, presented final designs for a new water treatment facility and the construction of Wells No. 5 and 6 and told the New York Mills City Council on May 12 that "the cost of the project is estimated at $10.9 million." The council voted to authorize advertising for bids so the city can obtain as-bid prices and move toward construction.

The project scope includes raw water distribution mains to the new facility, a pressure transducer/tower level control and a tank mixer to improve water tower levels and pressures; the old plant building will be removed and cleaned up. Weber told the council the $10.9 million figure is higher than the December 2025 Basis of Design estimate of $10.15 million and attributed the increase to higher fuel and oil prices.

Weber said the city has applied to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) and that PFA funding would likely be a mix of a low-interest loan and a WIF grant: "the estimated grant loan amount being $4,783,837.15 and the estimated grant amount being $6,116,162.85," he said. Final funding amounts and the city's exact loan/grant split will be determined after project certification, bid results and as-bid cost submissions to PFA, Weber added. He estimated construction would begin roughly 75–90 days after bids are received.

Councilor Nesland moved to authorize advertising for bids; Councilor Maki seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote. The vote clears the way for public bid documents and a formal procurement process; the council will return later to consider award of a construction contract once bids are opened and funding is finalized.

Next steps: advertise for bids, receive bids and provide as-bid figures to PFA for certification and final funding determinations.