City Council Meeting Date: April 21, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Justin Wagner, Utilities Manager
David Bennett, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Project Partnership Agreement with Army Corps of Engineers for Northwest Water Tower Grant.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council considers a Motion for the Project Partnership Agreement with Army Corps of Engineers for Northwest Water Tower Grant.
Summary Report:
On March 18, 2025, the City Council approved a motion to redirect the use of federal funds to the northwest area water tower. On July 22, 2025, the City Council approved a letter of intent and a financial capability certification to the Army Corps of Engineers. Tonight’s request is to approve the attached Project Partnership Agreement (Attachment 1) between the City of Northfield and the Army Corps of Engineers. The agreement provides $3.945 million in federal funds to be used for the construction of the Northwest Area Water Tower.
With the format of the Federal Funds, the City will pay the Army Corps of Engineers 25% of the project or $1.315 million as well as any costs above the $5.26 million that was approved as part of the federal funds.
The Northwest Water Tower project was split into two projects to ensure that the City stayed within expected project costs. The Northwest Water Tower will be one project, and the second project is the connection of watermains to the Northwest Water Tower as well as Booster Station upgrades to accommodate the Northwest Water Tower.
Renderings (Attachments 2 & 3) of the proposed Northwest Area Water Tower are attached for reference.
Alternative Options:
The City Council could reject the Motion; however, staff does not recommend due to the funding issued to the City.
Financial Impacts:
The agreement requires the City of Northfield to pay 25% of the project or $1.315 million plus any additional costs above and beyond the total approved $5.26 million that was appropriated from the federal government through Section 219. Funds will be paid though the Water Fund.
Estimated Funding Table
Tentative Timelines:
• Design - Ongoing, expected to be completed this summer
• Construction - 2026 to 2029