Metropolitan Council City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Story
Council approves water grants and facility upgrades unanimously
St. Croix Valley Water Resource Recovery Facility Upgrades
2027 Capital Program Informational Update
Votes (2)
2026-2028 Storm Water Reuse Grant Program
Moved by Council member Jenkins [00:11:40] · Seconded by Council Member Lindstöm [00:11:40]
The presentation covered the program's funding background ($1 million from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment), guidelines for eligible entities (local government units in the 7-county metro area) and practices (stormwater/rainwater reuse), and the selection criteria. Key discussion points included typical use cases for smaller cities, mainly irrigation, and the timeline for applications (September to October). Council members offered to help disseminate information to their districts.
St. Croix Valley Water Resource Recovery Facility Upgrades Contract 26P024
Moved by Council member Carter [00:21:50] · Seconded by Council Member Morales [00:21:55]
The committee heard details about critical asset preservation and safety improvements for the St. Croix Valley WWRF, which has not seen major construction since 1994. The project covers various upgrades, from process equipment to road reconstruction. Discussion clarified that the awarded contract was for the lowest *responsive and responsible* bidder, addressing a question about bid discrepancies. The project is expected to extend the facility's life by 30 years and supports growing communities in the Stillwater area.
Notable Quotes (4)
Madam Chair, Council Member Carter, the most common reuse that we see within the metro area is storm water capture and then reuse for irrigation. That is the most common because it's it has a different level of treatment than if it's for potable use.
Yeah, I I would mirror that. um we have the connections with the elected sometimes and sometimes they have no idea what's going on and it helps for them to be aware that this opportunity this funding opportunity especially is available to their city. So yeah, if you could include council members that'd be great.
Roughly 30 years.
Madame Chair and Council Member Morales, we um we received two bids and as stated uh the recommendation for award is based on three criteria being the low responsive and responsible bidder and the bid value that was recognized as the $18 million was the bid that was rejected as non-responsive.
Ordinances & Resolutions (33)
Minnesota Legislature session that provided funding for water sustainability projects.
Met Council policy plan that guides water conservation and sustainability, and identifies the need for work at Synica WRF.
Source of $1 million pass-through funds to Met Council for the stormwater reuse grant program.
State guidance document that eligible stormwater reuse projects must meet.
State agency whose guidance eligible stormwater reuse projects must meet.
Document describing the selection criteria and process for the stormwater reuse grant program.
Business item number for the Stormwater Reuse Grant Program.
Contract for the St. Croix Valley Water Resource Recovery Facility upgrades.
Business item number for the St. Croix Valley Water Resource Recovery Facility upgrades.
Annual update outlining a six-year capital improvement plan for environmental services.
The larger budget document into which the capital program will be rolled for approval.
Capital program for near-term needs at regional water resource recovery facilities.
Capital program implementing a facility plan to expand treatment capacity and meet new permit limits.
Capital program for constructing a new treatment facility in Rogers.
Capital program for continued renewal work at the Metropolitan Water Resource Recovery Facility.
New capital program to initiate planning activities at the Synica facility.
Documents that guide capital projects for water resource recovery facilities.
Project for new force main installation in Orono.
Lift stations undergoing continued construction work.
Project-specific program for improvements in the Hopkins system.
Lift station in Egan identified for improvements.
Lift station in Corcoran identified for improvements.
Lift station in Excelsior identified for improvements.
Interceptor program that closed in 2026.
Interceptor program that closed in 2026.
Projects within the Greater East Side Interceptor program in St. Paul.
Projects within the Westside Sandstone Tunnel Rehab project in St. Paul.
Systemwide capital program supporting various projects like odor control and city coordination.
Project involving removal of structures within the Minnehaha Creek channel.
Pipe and pipe rehabilitation project near Columbia Park in Minneapolis.
Projects within the Northeast Minneapolis Rehab Program.
Major project in the Nakcomomas neighborhoods of Winona and Kiwen.
Project to replace and upgrade a large lift station in Brooklyn Park and rehabilitate river crossings.