Park Falls paper mill. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
PARK FALLS, WI (WSAU) — Residents in Park Falls are no longer looking at a significant hike in their water rates following the closure of their paper mill.
Governor Tony Evers has awarded the utility a $3.75 million grant for improvements at the utility including new water mains, upgrades to the water tower, and measures to help prevent the freezing of pipes in the winter.
“The city of Park Falls has faced changing community needs, higher costs, and limitations of older infrastructure for years. Today’s investment will make necessary improvements to the city’s aging water utility system, and make sure that residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable water,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Mayor Bablick and his administration to address the imminent needs of the Park Falls community and greater area, and to help ensure folks and families aren’t stuck footing the bill for this upgraded infrastructure.”
According to Evers, the grant will be funded through the state’s share of American Rescue Plan funding.
RELATED: Park Falls residents face higher water bills
Park Falls Mayor Michael Bablick says the grant will allow the city to cancel its request with the Public Service Commission for a rate incrase. Residents had been looking at an increase of nearly 75% due to the closure of the mill.
The Park Falls paper mill used between 50% and 75% of the water from the utility. Without it drawing water, many aspects of the utility’s infrastructure were at risk of freezing during the winter.
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