(KPAX) WHITEFISH — The City of Whitefish has officially received three state-revolving fund loans totaling more than $20 million to help pay for a new sewer plant.

Whitefish City Manager Dana Smith said utility rate increases over the past five years have partially funded the project, while grant funding also pays for a portion.

Construction of the new facility is underway and expected to last 18 months, with a finish date planned for summer of 2021. Smith said the new wastewater plant is needed to stay on pace with mandatory ammonia standards for treatment.

“Being headwaters of the Flathead Lake area it’s important that we treat our water properly,” said Smith.

City officials said portions of the existing wastewater system are more than 100 years old.

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