The project would likely be completed in phases over a period of 12 to 15 years. There are two route options, and which one is chosen will depend on the route the city of Willmar recommends.
Plans have been in the works for more than 10 years for Willmar Municipal Utilities to construct a new water treatment plant at its northeast facility. Bids will be opened Thursday. Construction is estimated to take 18 months.
Willmar is nearing capacity in regards to how much water it can pump to meet demand. The increase in demand is why the approximately $25 million project at the Northeast Water Treatment has to be done, according to Willmar Municipal Utilities General Manager John Harren. The Municipal Utilities Commission heard presentations from both the water and customer service departments at Monday’s meeting.