Commission approves $39,100 wetland credits for 90 Ninth Avenue Southwest; some commissioners question project costs

Dunn County commissioners voted to purchase wetland mitigation credits for the 90 Ninth Avenue Southwest project after staff presented permit conditions and budget estimates.

County staff told the board the estimated construction cost for the 90 Ninth Avenue Southwest project — including special cultural monitoring and imported topsoil/borrow materials required by permit conditions — was about $1.6 million. Staff identified a wetland mitigation credit cost of $39,100 and recommended purchasing the credits so the project could proceed toward permit issuance and construction.

The commission voted to purchase the $39,100 wetland credits. A roll call at the meeting recorded all affirmative votes.

During discussion, at least one commissioner questioned the per-mile cost and the project's expected traffic levels, saying the estimate appeared high for a low-volume roadway. Other commissioners and staff countered that the project had been selected earlier by the road superintendent and the road portfolio, that design work was already underway and that the county had already invested in design steps and right-of-way work. Staff said cultural and environmental requirements were contractor- and permit-dependent and added specific items to the budget estimate, including an estimated $10,000 for State Historical Preservation Office cultural monitoring.

Outcome: purchase of wetland mitigation credits was approved and staff will continue permit processing and right-of-way work to keep the project moving toward construction.