Madelia Wastewater Lift Station Accredited Levee

The City of Madelia experiences regular flooding due to its location along the Watonwan River. In 2023, the City of Madelia conducted a Flood Risk Reduction Feasibility Study titled Watonwan River Floodplain Improvement Alternatives through Bolton & Menk to identify cost-effective measures to mitigate flooding risk. This study identified the construction of an accredited levee around our main Wastewater Lift Station as a key opportunity to provide 100-year floodplain protections for that critical facility. Cost estimates for the project in 2023 dollars came to $2,256,000.

To make this project feasible, the City is seeking funding support through FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending Requests to Senator Klobuchar and Senator Smith’s office, as well as an FY26 Community Project Funding Request through Congressman Finstad’s office. Estimated costs for this project in 2027, based on a 4% inflation annual inflation rate led to an adjusted estimated project cost of $2,639,000.

You can download the Watonwan River Floodplain Improvement Alternatives study here.

If you have questions regarding this project, you can reach out to our Community and Business Development Specialist, Celia Simpson at celia.simpson@cityofmadeliamn.gov.