Minnesota Town Pauses Sewer Construction Because of Tribes' Concerns

AFTON, Minn. (AP) — Four major projects in downtown Afton have been put on hold after representatives of tribal governments expressed concerns about possible nearby American Indian burial sites.

The Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/2fxnnRI ) reports that work on a community sewer, a better flood levee, a rebuilt St. Croix Trail and improvements to the storm sewer system was to begin last month.

Last year, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a final permit for construction, but the project had to be reviewed under the National Historic Preservation Act because federal funding is involved. Several tribal governments objected as part of that review.

City administrator Ron Moorse says agency officials are reviewing the tribes’ objections letters and are preparing a response.

City leaders are scheduled to meet with tribal officials Nov. 7 regarding the Rattlesnake Effigy mound, which is near a planned stormwater retention pond.

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