McLeod County approved hiring Apex Engineering Group to prepare plans and obtain permits for improvements to the Lake Marion boat landing under a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant. The contract is not to exceed $44,559 and will be funded with DNR grant money.

County staff said the DNR award covers upgrades at the Lake Marion landing that include reconstruction of the access and parking area, parking compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, an aquatic invasive species removal area and stormwater treatment. The county solicited proposals from three engineering firms and used a scoring process that evaluated project understanding, technical competence, project approach, team qualifications and schedule. Staff reported that Apex Engineering submitted the highest‑scoring proposal.

Andrew (public works staff) told commissioners the county is proposing construction late summer and early fall of the next construction season. Commissioners approved the professional services contract by voice vote; Commissioner Wright seconded the motion to approve.

The county will move forward with plan development and permitting under the DNR grant and return to the board as required for contract administration and construction authorization.