After years of careful planning and preparation, the Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities wastewater treatment facility project is moving forward.
A pre-bid meeting held recently saw a strong turnout from contractors interested in the project. The bid opening for construction is scheduled on January 23, and a public hearing to review the project plans and specifications and hear public feedback, both for and against the project, will be held on January 28. The EMU Board of Trustees will award the project bid to the selected contractor in February. EMU has partnered with Bolton & Menk engineering firm throughout the planning and design process, ensuring the project adheres to all necessary standards and best practices.
The engineer’s estimate for the project is $31.5 million. Substantial financial backing has been secured through grants. EMU has received $3.5 million in grant funding from the USDA along with a 40-year loan at a reduced interest rate of 2.375%. Additionally, $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has been earmarked for the project. This brings the total grant funding to $4 million, which will ease the financial burden on customers. Interim financing has also been approved after consulting with Public Financial Management (PFM) to determine the optimal financing structure.
Construction on the new wastewater treatment facility is expected to begin this spring, with a two-year build timeline. The facility is projected to be operational in 2027. During this period, EMU will continue to use the existing facility without disruptions to service, while additional structures will be erected on the property to accommodate the new system.
Reaching this point required considerable preparatory work. The EMU Board has been working on this project for five years, beginning with a wastewater feasibility study conducted in 2019 and the development of a comprehensive treatment facility plan in 2020. The existing wastewater treatment facility, which has outlived its 40-year life expectancy, will be replaced with an activated sludge plant. This new plant is necessary to meet Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements for phosphorus and chlorine reduction and ensure compliance with modern sewer regulations.
To prepare for construction and meet USDA requirements, an environmental study and floodplain evaluation were conducted to confirm the suitability of the site. Additionally, EMU has obtained a bond council engagement letter, Right of Way opinions, advance notices to USDA, an auditing agreement, an engineering service agreement, and a conflict-of-interest policy.
With funding secured, plans in place, and an experienced engineering partner on board, the EMU Board of Trustees is ready to move forward on facility construction. The project marks a new chapter in wastewater management, ensuring compliance with environmental standards while serving the city’s needs for decades to come.
