House passes bill that would equalize county sewer authority

The House passed a bill Wednesday that would grant seven counties in the Twin Cities metropolitan area the same authorities already provided to municipalities in Greater Minnesota.

Sponsored by Rep. Bob Loonan (R-Shakopee), HF3210 would allow the counties to construct, maintain and repair waterworks, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems, with the option of using sanitary sewer and storm sewer charges to cover the costs.

“This is simply amending an oversight,” Loonan said.

Following the 126-0 vote, the bill goes to the Senate where Sen. Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) is the sponsor.

The counties that would be affected by the bill are Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, Washington, Scott and Carver.