BISMARCK, N.D. – Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley was in Dickinson today to break ground on a new wastewater treatment and water reclamation facility that will meet the future growth needs of the community and the surrounding area. The $30 million facility is designed to handle wastewater flows of 3.65 million gallons per day, which will accommodate a projected population growth of 35,000 people. The plant will be designed so that, if necessary, it can be expanded to accommodate a population of up to 68,000 people.

The state awarded the City of Dickinson $12.3 million in Energy Impact Grants to support this project and lessen the financial impact on the community. Nearly $8 million of the grant will be used by the city to fund the construction of the treatment plant.

“This new wastewater treatment plant is an impressive investment in Dickinson’s infrastructure and will meet the water reclamation needs for this growing community and surrounding area well into the future,” Wrigley said. “The state is proud to support this project and to help the City of Dickinson strengthen its infrastructure to accommodate future growth.”

Once treated, the wastewater will be used for municipal and industrial uses in the region. The plant is expected to be completed by October 2014.