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Somerset Township Receives Funding for Wastewater Treatment Facility in Hope

ST. PAUL – Residents in the community of Hope (located in Somerset Township in Steele County) will have improved wastewater treatment, a cleaner environment and lower costs thanks to more than $1 million in grants and loans.

A Total Maximum Daily Load Grant of $418,600 and a Wastewater Infrastructure Grant of $168,170 were awarded to Somerset Township from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA). The funds will be used to construct a new wastewater treatment facility in Hope.

“Adequate wastewater treatment is a key part of keeping the city healthy and economically vital,” said Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and PFA chair.

The new wastewater treatment facility will serve about 80 residents in Hope. Construction on the project began June 9 and is expected to be completed by September.

Somerset Township Chairman Mark Spurgeon said Hope needed a new wastewater treatment facility to meet state regulations for effluents. The existing wastewater system has been in place for many years, and can no longer meet the needs of its citizens. The project is expected to improve the cleanliness of nearby streams and rivers, as well as the quality of life in Hope.

The PFA, an independent infrastructure financing authority, joined with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in announcing the loan. In addition, the Rural Development Agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $457,000 in grants and loans for the project. The Pollution Control Agency reviewed the project design to ensure regulatory standards were met.

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