A greener ride to the next water sample: Albert Lea wastewater plant adds e-bikes
City News September 2, 2026
Lane Ohl, WWTP maintenance worker, tests out one of the e-bikes.
The City of Albert Lea recently received a $3,150 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to help purchase two e-bikes for use at the wastewater treatment facility. The bikes are outfitted to carry tools and testing equipment, allowing staff to use them for daily inspections, water sampling and minor repairs throughout the complex.
Now the two e-bikes can replace two gas-powered vehicles used at the plant — a four-wheeler and a full-size pickup —for many of those routine trips. Even in colder months, staff plan to use the e-bikes on warmer winter days and when there are no snow banks to traverse.
For Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Brandon Huston, the bikes offer more than just a different way to get around.
“By switching to e-bikes, we can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which will lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower our carbon footprint at our facility,” Huston said.
There’s a practical payoff, too. The e-bikes are expected to reduce fuel and maintenance costs associated with the plant’s larger gas-powered vehicles while providing staff with a cleaner, more efficient way to move around the facility.
And there’s one more benefit that fits particularly well in Albert Lea.
As a Blue Zones community, the city has long promoted opportunities to incorporate movement into everyday life. Huston said riding the e-bikes gives plant employees a way to stay energized through exercise while carrying out their regular work.
The two e-bikes will cost $4,200 in total. The state grant covers 75% of the expense, with the city contributing the remaining $1,050.
At a facility where the daily work is all about keeping water moving, Albert Lea is finding a new way to keep its workers moving, too — one electric pedal at a time.
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In accordance with grant requirements the following are the representatives for this grant:
The State’s Authorized Representative is Ryan Bloomberg, grant specialist senior, MPCA, 500 Lafayette Road, Saint Paul MN 55155, 651-259-5666 ryan.bloomberg@state.mn.us.
The Grantee’s Authorized Representative is Ian Rigg, city manager, City of Albert Lea, 221 E. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN, 56007, 507-377-4330, irigg@ci.albertlea.mn.us.
The Grantee’s Authorized Representative is Steven Jahnke, city engineer and director of public works, City of Albert Lea, 221 E. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN, 56007, 507-377-4325, sjahnke@ci.albertlea.mn.us.
The Grantee’s Authorized Fiscal Agent is Kristi Brutlag, Director of Finance/Treasurer, 221 E. Clark St., 507-377-4300, kbrutlag@ci.albertlea.mn.us.
The City of Albert Lea’s mission is to deliver exceptional services that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.
