ST. PAUL – A wastewater project which could significantly expand First District Association’s dairy operation in Litchfield and provide a strong economic boost regionally took a major step toward becoming reality this week.
Last spring, the Legislature provided the Department of Employment and Economic Development with $47.5 million to distribute through a competitive-grants process. The city of Litchfield applied for $2.5 million to construct a new wastewater transportation pipeline and two lift stations.
On Monday, DEED revealed its grades for the 90 applications it received statewide. Litchfield’s proposal scored 99 points out of a possible 100, topping the list.
“This project would have a positive impact on 40 counties and 1,200 dairy farmers,” said Acton Township Republican Rep. Dean Urdahl. “It would increase First District’s production from approximately 5 million pounds of milk per day to 7 million pounds per day.”
The DEED recommendations have been presented to Gov. Mark Dayton, who is expected to act on them yet this week.
-30-