Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Northern Township, MN
Northern Township has secured a third round of federal funding for its Lake Bemidji wastewater infrastructure project following congressional approval of H.R. 6938, legislation that includes Congressionally Directed Spending for critical local projects.
The award of $750,000 was successfully carried by Rep. Pete Stauber, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Sen. Tina Smith, whose continued bipartisan support has been instrumental in advancing Northern Township’s long-term wastewater solution for Lake Bemidji.
This latest award builds on two prior rounds of federal investment ($6.75 million total) and represents another major step forward in a multi-phase effort to modernize wastewater treatment, reduce environmental risk, and lower long-term costs for residents. Northern Township is extremely thankful for the continued advocacy of Representative Stauber and Senators Klobuchar and Smith. Their support reflects a strong commitment to protecting Minnesota’s lakes while helping rural communities secure the resources needed to make large, generational investments feasible.
Protecting Lake Bemidji and Strengthening the Community
The Northern Township wastewater project is designed to replace aging and vulnerable septic systems with a modern municipal sanitary sewer system serving Northern Township properties around Lake Bemidji.
By transitioning to a centralized system, the project will:
- Significantly reduce the risk of contaminants entering Lake Bemidji
- Greatly improve land-use conditions by removing septic systems from small or constrained lots with limited buildable space
- Support long-term water quality and recreational use for residents and the hundreds of thousands annual visitors to Lake Bemidji
Looking Ahead to Phase 2
Securing outside funding remains a central strategy to reduce the financial burden on local property owners. Every dollar we bring in from federal and state partners directly reduces costs that would otherwise fall on residents. Northern Township continues working aggressively to layer funding sources in order to deliver the most responsible and cost-effective project possible.
This third federal award strengthens Northern Township’s position as it continues planning for Phase 2, which will extend service to additional lakeshore areas. Township officials will continue pursuing state-level and other funding opportunities to fully realize the long-term goal of sewering all Lake Bemidji properties within Northern Township.
This project is about more than infrastructure. It’s about protecting a shared natural resource, improving how land can be used for generations to come, and ensuring Lake Bemidji remains a healthy, vibrant asset for our entire community.
The project’s permit application is currently under review by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and construction remains slated to begin in 2026, consistent with prior planning and coordination timelines. Northern Township will provide additional updates as funding is finalized and the project progresses through the permitting, bidding, and construction phases.
For ongoing updates and current project information, please visit the Northern Township website.
Contact: Chris Lahn, Township Administrator
Northern Township Hall
(218) 444-1857