Zimmerman poised for growth with interchange coming

Current and projected population growth, plus increased water consumption, has required the city to review the water supply and distribution system. A new water treatment facility, wells and water tower have been constructed at the northern edge of the current city limits and will be operational in 2025. This improvement will serve to balance the water distribution system and provide additional treatment and storage capacity for current users and future growth. Water demands are seasonal, and this new facility will provides much needed production capacity for the summer or irrigation season.

The city is also in the permitting phase to expand the wastewater treatment facility, a project four years in the making. Staff estimates a Phase I expansion in 2026 to accommodate increasing wastewater treatment demands.

In 2024 the city completed Phase I of the Lake Fremont Improvement Project, which replaced underground utilities and streets on the south and southwestern shore of Lake Fremont. Phase I included water, sewer and street reconstruction along the southern and southwestern shore of the lake. Storm sewer was also incorporated into the design to accommodate drainage, protect properties from stormwater and direct drainage away from the lake basin. Staff anticipates three additional phases of reconstruction in coming years to replace the remaining underground utilities and streets.

After several years of dedication and persistence, Sherburne County was successful in receiving several state and federal grants and awards to fully fund the TH 169 and CSAH 4 Interchange Project. The city appreciates the support of the current and former Sherburne County Board members for making this project a county priority, and Public Works Director Andrew Witter for his relentless pursuit of funding opportunities. The city also thanks Congressman Emmer for his efforts to direct federal funding to the project.