Nancy Edmonds Hanson
The now-shuttered Anheuser Busch Malting Plant has left behind two final impacts on the city of Moorhead – one negative, the other a plus.
The loss of its largest customer is a factor in Moorhead Public Service’s projected increases in both water and electrical rates for 2026. City council member Lisa Borgen, who represents the city on the MPS board, noted the rising rates at Monday’s council meeting.
The total increases are pegged at 5.5% on residents’ water bills and 2% on electrical rates. According to MPS manager Travis Schmidt, the malting plant’s closure one year ago led to the loss of from 7 to 8% of the city-owned utility’s revenue. That loss accounts for a substantial part of the rate boosts. MPS estimates the average customer’s water bill will rise $3.33 per month, with electricity going up $1.35.
On the other hand, the proceeds of an environmental settlement with the malting plant – which consolidated operations in Shakopee, Minnesota, a year ago – will benefit the city.
Clay County Public Health has received $129,540 from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as the county’s share of a settlement between MPCA and the former Budweiser plant. The state environmental agency fined the company a total of $323,850 for environmental violations, including failing to conduct performance tests and exceeding dust emissions limits between 2021 and 2023. A routine inspection in May 2023 uncovered them. The company was also cited for failing to properly test for particulate matter emissions.
The county health department has until June 6, 2026, to decide where to invest the money and complete the planned improvements.
Residents are being asked for their preference among three alternatives:
• Additional biking and walking trail improvements, including new bike racks and benches citywide.
• Installing benches along the River Corridor trail.
• Adding or improving native prairie plantings along the river corridor and other public areas.
Three public meetings are planned. The first is at noon Nov. 13 at the Moorhead Public Library. At 9 a.m. Nov. 19, a second will be held at the Hjemkomst Center. The final input session is at 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, 2901 20th St. S.
Residents can also voice their preferences in an online survey at https://claycountymn.gov/2178/Clay-County-MPCA-Settlement.