Sen. Andrew Matthews, R-Princeton, has introduced a bill that would provide St. Francis with a $3 million grant for water and sewer improvements along Highway 47 from Cree Street to 241st Avenue.
The funding, which would come from state bonding, was presented to the Senate Transportation Committee on April 22.
St. Francis Mayor Mark Vogel, testifying before the committee, said the city needs to replace existing water and wastewater lines, some of which date back to 1979.
“Highway 47 is our one and only main artery through our community,” Vogel said. “If we cannot accomplish these much-needed projects together, it will be much more expensive and take a much longer time. We want to avoid ripping up a road twice and greatly raising the cost of Highway 47 reconstruction to our residents.”
Vogel said the city, which he described as between small and midsize in population, does not have the ability to pay for the project on its own.
City Administrator Kate Thunstrom said the timing of the funding is important to minimize disruption to the school corridor and reduce costs. Construction is expected to begin next spring.