The city of East Bethel will receive $3 million in federal funding and $3 million in state funding for a project that includes a new treatment plant, a new water tower and future water and sewer hookups to East Bethel and Cedar Creek elementary schools.
Look said the city had been pursuing $10.5 million to fund new sewer and water connections for the schools.
“You’ve heard me talk about opium — other people’s money — many times,” Look said. “I believe in the ask-not, get-not. And so we have gone to multiple sources to try to get these dollars to accomplish this project.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer recently included $3 million for the project in a bill in the House of Representatives. Look referred to the funding as an earmark.
Meanwhile, the city had been working to secure state funding. Look said one of the last bills approved by the Minnesota Legislature before the session ended at midnight May 18 was the bonding bill, which included another $3 million for East Bethel.
Look said he had received a call from Sen. Cal Bahr asking for the lowest amount the city could accept. Look then called Craig Jochum at Hakanson Anderson around 8 or 9 p.m., and they crafted a plan involving $3 million from the state.
The money will help East Bethel build a new treatment plant and water tower, Look said. The second phase, planned for next year, would involve a $4.5 million request to fund sewer and water piping to connect to the city’s schools.
Look said he told Karsten Anderson, administrator of the St. Francis school district, about the funding, and Anderson was ecstatic.
“They’ve got some serious problems over there, and they’re excited that this is finally across the finish line,” Look said.said.