VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Northwest Area Water System Improvement Project, including the construction of a new water tower and citywide pressure zone modifications was presented for bid approval at the October 21, 2025, City of Valley City Commission meeting.

The Commission approved bids for Contract 1 and Contract 1A to Maguire Iron of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in the amounts of $2,749,000 and $165,000, respectively. The bid for Contract 2 from Swanberg Construction of Valley City, North Dakota, in the amount of $545,945, was approved, as was the bid for Contract 3 from Hi-Line Electric of Valley City, North Dakota, in the amount of $176,901. All approvals are contingent upon authorization from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources and the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

Tracy Eslinger, Senior Project Manager with Moore Engineering said the project scope includes removing the existing Northwest water tower at 9th Street NW and 5th Avenue NW, the National Guard water tower near 7th Street SE and 7th Avenue SE, and the Northwest water standpipe at 12th Street NW and 5th Avenue NW. A new water tower will be constructed at the 12th Street NW and 5th Avenue NW site. Additional improvements will modify the city’s water system pressure zones to enhance overall system performance and operational reliability.

Project funding will be provided through a combination of city funds ($500,000), loan proceeds ($1,500,000), and grant funds ($2,729,200). The City Commissioners also approved a $1.90 water tower surcharge per water meter to fund the repayment of the loan beginning in January 2026.