ASHLAND - The Ashland City Council is taking responsibility for the more than three times cost increase for the water intake project that will replace the current pipe that extends into Lake Superior. The Daily Press reports Public Works Director John Butler said the city should have more closely examined and verified the original cost estimate for the project. When the estimate originated in 2017, the cost was around $2.5 million, and now, seven years later, the cost has ballooned to more than $10 million. The increase has necessitated passing some of the cost on to residents. The rates in Ashland will be among the highest in the state, increasing by nearly 52% as mandated by the Public Service Commission. The city has petitioned the PSC to reconsider the rate increase to no response. Residents are being encouraged to weigh in on the matter by logging on to app.psc.wi.gov/erf or by stopping by city hall where a computer is set up to facilitate filing those comments.
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