Residents Get Up Close Look at ‘Largest Project’ Robbinsdale Has Ever Done
Nearly one year ago, a new water treatment plant in Robbinsdale officially went into operation. The plant not only provides people with clean water, it also helps residents save money on in-home water softening.
This week, the city hosted an official grand opening of the facility.
“It took a big giant team to do all this work,” said Robbinsdale Mayor Bill Blonigan. “This is the largest project that the city of Robbinsdale has ever done, $34.431 million.”
Monday afternoon, city officials hosted a grand opening celebration to thank the public, and the local dignitaries, for making it happen.
“I think the building looks really nice,” said Robbinsdale City Engineer Richard McCoy. “This is a really attractive building in terms of water treatment plants.”
The facility not only provides clean water, but softens it as well.
“We’re removing about 75 percent of your hardness from your water,” said Aaron Vollmer, a project manager with AE2S.
Mayor Bill Blonigan and other local officials cut the ribbon on the water treatment plant on Oct. 16.
When the time came to replace the city’s older water treatment facilities, the Robbinsdale City Council decided to build this new water treatment plant with the ability to soften the water, rather than having homeowners do it on their own.
“I’m saving $7 per month on my salt,” said Mayor Blonigan. “I don’t have to buy a new water softener and have it installed for $900 in a couple years.”
Residents have already taken notice.
“Yeah you know I’ve got a bad back, and I’ve had to have the salt delivered,” said Rich Nordby, a Robbinsdale resident who was taking a tour. “So I’ve saved that plus the salt, so it’s been good.”
Robbinsdale received a low-interest, $34 million loan from the federal government to make this happen, according to city officials. And while even Mayor Blonigan would admit it’s an expensive project, this massive building will serve the needs of the city for the next 50 to 75 years.
“People that aren’t even born yet will pay for it and benefit from it,” Blonigan said.
Robbinsdale’s Water Treatment Plant is located at 3648 Lee Avenue N.
Related: Robbinsdale Water Treatment Plant Now Fully Operational
