ST. PAUL — The Metropolitan Council has ordered about 40 Minnesota cities to spend $71 million to repair sewer systems or pay the same amount in fines.

The council aims to fix leaky pipes and other systemic problems that can cause sewage backups during heavy rains. St. Paul has been ordered to spend $29 million in the next four years and Minneapolis will need to spend $18 million. Cities were billed based on the amount of excess sewage flow they have during rainstorms.

Newport has been tasked with spending $830,000, which will increase its sewer budget by 50 percent. Newport Planning Commission chairman Dan Lund said he wants to fight the fines. He said the council sent Newport the bill without first communicating with city leaders.