Water and Sewer Infrastructure -Hwy 47

The City of St. Francis is undertaking a critical water and sewer infrastructure project along Hwy 47 to modernize and expand trunk lines. The water and sewer trunk infrastructure project replaces and expands main lines to support growing residential and commercial demands. It enhances system reliability, prevents failures, and ensures long-term sustainability. Upgrading aging infrastructure before or at the time of the Hwy project will reduce costs and burdens to residents and commuters who visit our city to support our retailers and commercial districts as well as visiting local schools.

A great example of of why this project needs to be completed before or in collaboration with the Hwy project.  If you were to build a house without a basement and then five years later decide to add a basement: your expenses are higher with the loss of construction efficiencies, there is now stress and damage to the completed house and there is disruption while you lift the house and do the work.  Now apply that to this project:  If we do not complete the work prior to the Hwy improvements, it will cost us more, create delays for traffic a second time and we will need to cut the new road to make these connections. All of those issues are costly and inefficient!

The aging water and sewer system, originally built in 1973 for a population of just 900, is now outdated and becoming overburdened, struggling to support more than 8,300 residents and growing demands. Without replacement and expansion, the risk of system failures, costly emergency repairs, and inefficiencies will continue to rise. Upgrading the trunk lines and extending service northward will prevent failures, reduce long-term costs and support residential and economic development. With continued growth, the expansion is critical to ensuring long-term sustainability for existing and future residents.

This project is a significant benefit to the community in multiple ways:

1. Enhanced Public Services – Residents and businesses will have access to a more reliable water and sewer system, reducing service interruptions and improving overall quality of life.
2. Supports Growth & Development – Expanding infrastructure allows for new housing, business parks, and economic opportunities, bringing jobs and increased city revenue.
3. Long-Term Cost Efficiency – Addressing aging infrastructure now prevents more expensive emergency repairs in the future, ultimately saving taxpayers money.
4. Health & Environmental Protection – A modernized system reduces the risk of contamination, sewer backups, and environmental damage, promoting a cleaner and healthier community.
5. Increased Property Values – Strong infrastructure is essential for maintaining and enhancing property values, making St. Francis an attractive place to live and invest.

Overall, this project ensures sustainable growth, economic stability, and a higher quality of life for all residents

This project benefits taxpayers and rate users in several key ways:

1. Improved Reliability & Service – Replacing aging infrastructure reduces the risk of costly breakdowns, service disruptions, and emergency repairs, ensuring dependable water and sewer services for residents and businesses.
2. Cost Savings – Proactive upgrades help avoid expensive emergency repairs and regulatory fines, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars in the long run.
3. Supports Economic Growth – Expanding sewer capacity enables new residential and commercial developments, increasing the city’s tax base and generating additional revenue to fund public services without raising individual tax burdens.
4. Property Value Protection – Reliable infrastructure helps maintain and even increase property values by ensuring quality utility services, which are essential for community desirability.
5. Environmental & Health Benefits – Modernized wastewater systems prevent leaks, contamination, and environmental hazards, protecting public health and reducing long-term cleanup costs.

This project is separate than the MNDOT Highway project, but must be completed at a time that does not create greater financial and traffic burdens on residents and commuters.

The City has reached out for State and Federal assistance on this project. If the City is required to finance the full project, it will be a direct impact to local rate users in St. Francis and Oak Grove.  By requesting assistance from other agencies we are hoping to reducing the direct financial burden that will be created if the project is fully funded through bonds.  

Project construction is anticipated June 2027 - June 2028