Hibbing seeks $13.6 million to finish rehabilitation of century-old clay sanitary sewers
March 17, 2026 | 2026 Legislature MN, Minnesota
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Representative Spencer Igoe carried House File 3761 asking the House Capital Investment Committee for $13.6 million to rehabilitate 33 miles of clay-tile sanitary sewer in Hibbing.
Mayor Pete Hajduk said Hibbing’s sanitary system — largely built between 1920 and 1960 and totaling more than 90 miles — suffers cracking and infiltration of groundwater and stormwater, which overloads treatment facilities and increases operating costs. He said the city has rehabilitated more than 25 miles since 2013 using trenchless lining at a cost of about $6 million and reported wastewater flow reductions at the treatment plant from roughly 2.6 million to 2.0 million gallons per day as evidence the work is effective.
Committee members asked about the cost-effectiveness of lining versus replacement for very old pipes; Hajduk and the mayor’s representative said modern lining is typically more cost-effective when lines can be relined, while full replacement is used where necessary.
No vote was recorded during the March 17 hearing.
Mayor Pete Hajduk said Hibbing’s sanitary system — largely built between 1920 and 1960 and totaling more than 90 miles — suffers cracking and infiltration of groundwater and stormwater, which overloads treatment facilities and increases operating costs. He said the city has rehabilitated more than 25 miles since 2013 using trenchless lining at a cost of about $6 million and reported wastewater flow reductions at the treatment plant from roughly 2.6 million to 2.0 million gallons per day as evidence the work is effective.
Committee members asked about the cost-effectiveness of lining versus replacement for very old pipes; Hajduk and the mayor’s representative said modern lining is typically more cost-effective when lines can be relined, while full replacement is used where necessary.
No vote was recorded during the March 17 hearing.
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