Minnesota lacks funding to update aging infrastructure; about $11 billion needed

Minnesota doesn’t have enough funding to update all of its aging underground infrastructure, as water and sewer pipes reach the end of their expected life spans in many areas across the state.

About $11 billion will be needed over the next two decades to cover drinking water and wastewater improvements, according to state officials, Minnesota Public Radio reported.

“I think we are on the verge of what could be a crisis,” said Elizabeth Wefel, a lobbyist for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. “When you start seeing all of these facilities across the state starting to hit a certain age, and the funding isn’t keeping up to help rehabilitate or build new, we are going to be facing a crisis.”

She said deteriorating pipes don’t get as much attention or funding as damaged roads or bridges because they’re not as visible.

Read more: http://www.twincities.com/2017/12/05/minnesota-lacks-funding-to-update-aging-infrastructure-about-11-billion-needed/