Brainerd Gets State Money For Sewer

The city of Brainerd received a $28.8 million low-interest loan from the State of Minnesota to upgrade and expand its wastewater treatment facility.

Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says Brainerd ratepayers will save a significant amount of money, thanks to the low interest rate on this loan.

The expanded wastewater treatment facility will serve the needs of both Brainerd and Baxter, which have a combined population of approximately 22,000.

Todd Wicklund, secretary and finance director, Brainerd Public Utility Commission, said the project is expected to be completed by fall 2011.

Wicklund says the expanded facility will enable the city to meet the new MPCA requirements and extend the facility's life expectancy