WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the House of Representatives passed legislation that included $3,000,000 in funding for a wastewater infrastructure improvement project in Mankato. The project, which Klobuchar and Smith worked to include, will replace and upgrade the regional wastewater disinfection system that services Mankato and nine other customer communities. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN). The bill now goes to the Senate for final passage. 

“Upgrading critical wastewater infrastructure will boost the health and safety of Mankato and all communities who rely on this system. With this federal funding, this project is one step closer to completion,” said Klobuchar. 

“Safe wastewater management systems are essential to the health of our communities and our environment,” said Smith. “Reconstructing this wastewater disinfection system will help ensure that these important services can continue for more than 65,000 people in Mankato and the surrounding areas.” 

The communities that will benefit from the improved wastewater system include: City of Eagle Lake, City of Granite Falls, City of Madison Lake, City of Mankato, City of North Mankato, City of Skyline, South Bend Township, City of Walnut Grove, the Lower Sioux Indian Community, and the Lake Washington Sanitary District.

Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state.

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