Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The House Capital Investment Committee last week heard funding requests from three communities in Freeborn County for major water projects through the Public Facilities Authority.

In Albert Lea, the city faces an $80 million upgrade to its wastewater treatment plant, which was built in 1981. In addition to the plant having aging infrastructure, the city is facing new regulations from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for phosphorus removal.

The city of Albert Lea this go-around is requesting $12.5 million in bonding for one phase of the improvements. It received $2 million in a previous bonding bill.

In Clarks Grove, the city is requesting $9.9 million in bonding funds to design, construct and equip water and sewer infrastructure in the city. This includes two new lift stations, a water treatment plant and the replacement of sewer and water system infrastructure throughout the city.

In Manchester, the city is looking at $2 million for the design and construction of a new clean water distribution system, new water treatment plant, a new well and other related water improvements.

The infrastructure in all of three of these communities was built around the same time thanks to grants from the federal government, but now they are all wearing out at the same time, too.

And as more time passes, the costs continue to rise.

We implore the Legislature to make projects like these — as well as the passage of a bonding bill in the first place — a priority this year.

If they don’t receive funding, the costs will fall back unfairly onto the backs of local residents.

These projects are critical in that they affect not only residents but businesses and industries as well — all who live, work and operate in these communities.

The projects aren’t glamorous, but they are imperative to the health and well-being of all who utilize them.