For more than six decades, the wastewater treatment plant in Hastings has quietly operated near the city's historic downtown along the Mississippi River — with an environmental record that is one of the best in the country.

Now the Metropolitan Council is moving forward with longstanding plans to build a new $145 million wastewater treatment plant just outside town. Once the new plant opens in 2027, the old facility will be decommissioned, freeing up land for possible redevelopment near the city's riverfront.

Hastings has done a good job revitalizing its historic downtown area, said Met Council Member Wendy Wulff, whose district includes the Dakota County seat. At the same time, she said, "as things turned around in downtown, we knew we'd have to eventually relocate the wastewater plant to meet demand."