06.03.11

Delegation Announces $900,000 Grant to Bolster Spirit Lake's Wastewater System

Grants Will Remedy Existing Septic System Failures, Help Protect Community

Washington - Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $900,000 grant to the Spirit Lake Tribe to help bolster a wastewater treatment system that is being threatened by rising floodwaters. 

"This crucial funding comes just in time. It will provide the support needed to shore up Spirit Lake's wastewater system, protecting the community and eliminating an imminent health and safety threat," the delegation said in a joint statement. 

The primary wastewater lagoon system in St. Michael is in immediate danger of being flooded by the rising waters of Mission Bay Lake. Water levels in the lake have risen two to three feet.  If they infiltrate the wastewater lagoon, treatment of the water would be ineffective and sewer back-ups could occur in homes and community facilities.  

The grant will help with the relocation of the lagoon, construction of an access road, two lift stations and a wastewater collection system. The project will be managed by Minot District Engineers with the Indian Health Service.