City of Hancock Receives Grants for Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure

The residents of Hancock will have improved wastewater treatment, a cleaner environment and lower costs, thanks to nearly $2.7 million in loans and grants. A Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant of $584,000 was awarded to the City of Hancock from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA).

“Adequate wastewater treatment is a key part of keeping the city healthy and economically vital,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner and PFA Chair Dan McElroy.

The funds will be used to construct a new stabilization pond system for wastewater treatment that will serve approximately 700 residents of the City of Hancock, located in Stevens County. Construction began at the end of May 2008 and it is expected to be completed by October 2008.

Andrea Swenson, city clerk/treasurer said Hancock needed the stabilization pond because the current plant that handles wastewater treatment is outdated and the effluent does not meet Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards. The new pond is extremely cost-efficient and will enable the city to save thousands of dollars per year on operating and maintenance costs, as well as improve the water quality of the nearby wetlands.

The PFA, an independent infrastructure financing authority, joined with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in announcing these grants. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development Agency will be providing $2.084 million in grant and loan funds for the project. The MPCA reviewed the project design to ensure regulatory standards were met.

The PFA, created by the Legislature in 1987, has financed more than $2.5 billion in infrastructure projects. The PFA operates three revolving loan funds for infrastructure projects, including the Drinking Water Revolving Fund, Clean Water Revolving Fund and Transportation Revolving Loan Fund.