Mora stormwater infrastructure project work to begin July 11

The city of Mora will start work on a stormwater infrastructure project on July 11.

According to a news release, the installation of an outlet pipe to divert excess water from Mora Lake into the city's stormwater system to reduce flooding risks, is expected to be completed by late September or early October.

“This project marks a significant step forward in protecting our community from flooding events like those that occurred in 2018,” said City of Mora Utilities General Manager Joe Kohlgraf in the news release. “We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we complete this work.”

In 2018, a major rainfall event caused severe flooding in Mora, including Highway 65 closing for seven days. It was later declared a disaster.

Mora received a $1.8 million grant in 2023 to fund the outlet pipe project.

The release states that construction will primarily take place near the intersection of North Park Street and West Maple Avenue, with improvements including a new parking lot layout for the Mora Public Library; an upgraded sidewalk and crosswalk system; upgraded sanitary sewer and water infrastructure; and a new lake pavilion and overlook.

According to Mora community development director Kirsten Faurie, the project is coordinated with reconstruction of Kanabec County’s County Road 6, which includes sections of Maple Avenue from Union Street to Highway 47.

Residents should expect road closures, detours, and limited access to certain areas during construction.

The Mora Public Library will operate at its regular hours and will remain accessible during the project work. Music in the Park concerts will still take place at the Library Park Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.