Council OKs plan for major projects
City News December 9, 2025
At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Albert Lea Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan that outlines major projects over the next 5 years. The council adopts a Capital Improvement Plan every year, which helps identify needs, allocate resources and set priorities for improving infrastructure and capital purchases.
The plan includes the following projects for 2026. To pay for many of the projects, the city would borrow the funds through bonding in 2026 with payments starting in 2027. For some projects, the city would also seek state aid and grants to help pay for them.
- Upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant: Built in 1981, the plant is beyond its expected life span of 30 years. In addition, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is requiring significant reductions in phosphorus, the nutrient that grows algae. For 2026, the city plans upgrades costing $25 million total, and is applying for a $12 million grant to help pay for this phase. Long-term, the entire rebuild of the plant is estimated at $100 million.
- Street construction projects: Reconstructing additional sections of Marshall Street, from Valley to Bridge Avenue, and Valley Avenue, from Hawthorne to Johnson Street, is estimated at $4.8 million. The council will vote Dec. 8 on ordering a feasibility study for this project and several other street projects. Property assessments would pay a portion of the projects.
- Improvements to City Hall: This $2 million project include remodeling to improve safety, security and efficiency; lighting changes to reduce energy use; and a key card system to place physical keys. The motion to approve the entire Capital Improvement Plan included a stipulation that the council must approve any part of the improvements for them to proceed.
- Developing the Blazing Star Landing: Continued cleanup and extending infrastructure to develop the site is estimated at $1.2 million. The city plans to apply for a state grant to help pay for the project.
