HIBBING — Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber toured the Hibbing power plant and south water treatment plant on Wednesday, June 17.
Hibbing Water, Access, Treatment, Expansion, and Reliability Projects, known as Hib-WATER, are partially funded by federal dollars, appropriated by Congress earlier this year. The aim is to modernize the city's water system over the next 10 years.
The tours came three years after Stauber last visited the facilities.
“After that tour, we looked at the opportunity to put forth a recommendation for community-funded projects,” Stauber said.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan appropriations bill. The bill included $10 million in federal funding toward Northland infrastructure projects, $1 million of which will fund Hib-WATER.
“The roads and building constructions across the entire district are a priority, including water infrastructure like this,” Stauber said.
The projects are aimed at modernizing the water system. Starting in 2023, the plan outlines $74.5 million in improvements through 2033.
According to the Hibbing Public Utilities website, the needed improvements are due to a few factors. One is the shutdown of the Scranton Pit — the highest producing well in the system — due to Hibbing Taconite mining activities. Another is the overall age and condition of the facilities and infrastructure.
Planned improvements include the replacing of water mains, adding a new treatment center, automating the south water treatment plant and reinforcing the over 100-year-old reservoir. Hibbing previously replaced water mains due to lead exposure.
Energy Supply Manager Paul Plombon said this is a big moment for Hibbing.
“Unfortunately, it’s not the end for us,” Plombon said. “As they were saying, you know, part of this project is just the start.”
Also in attendance were state Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township; state Sen. Robert Farnsworth, R-Hibbing; and Hibbing Mayor Pete Hyduke.
Igo called the improvements a generational investment.
“This is going to benefit not only the people that live here now, but the generation of kids that are going to come back here, raise families here and start businesses here,” Igo said. “So it’s a great day for the future of Hibbing.”
Stauber's tour comes as the campaign season is in full swing for his reelection. He said Wednesday he isn’t going to take the election for granted.
“We’re going to go harder than we did the last time, harder than we did the first time,” Stauber said. “And I want to be able to continue to represent the 8th Congressional District. I think it’s the best congressional district in the state.”
The congressman’s first hurdle is a Republican primary challenge from Anthony Hamilton in August. Three DFL candidates are also vying for a spot on the general election ballot: Luke Gulbranson, John Munter and Trina Swanson.
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