Approximately 90% of the water treatment plant and pipeline costs are anticipated to be paid for through the approximately $700 million (after legal fees) from the 2018 3M and State of Minnesota Settlement Agreement. Preliminary estimates indicate Woodbury’s water treatment plant will cost more than $300 million, depending on several factors, including future possible changes to health standards and guidelines for PFAS.
With more than 80,000 residents, Woodbury is the largest city impacted by PFAS in the East Metro and the settlement funding is critical to providing a community-wide solution for generations to come.
The city’s share of the cost is expected to range between $22 million and $40 million based on 30% design estimates. These non-settlement funds are needed to treat wells that currently do not have health advisories and for other associated project items needed to position the community for the future. Woodbury is proactively planning to address these costs through responsible utility rate changes beginning in 2024. The city also sought and received $3.4 million in federal dollars in 2023 to help offset some of these future costs. In addition, the city continues advocating to the state co-trustees for the settlement to cover as much of Woodbury’s project costs as possible.