The Dunn County Board approved a motion to acquire 0.46 acres of wetland mitigation credits at $39,100 as a precondition for advancing the 90 Ninth Avenue project.

County Engineer Jeremy told the board the State Historical Preservation Office and Army Corps had eased some requirements and would accept fill over cultural sites with monitoring, but the county’s new right-of-way policy means much of the project is being handled as temporary construction easements rather than permanent right-of-way. Because of that policy change, the county now needs to secure wetland credits before on-site mitigation and continuing to permanent right-of-way acquisition.

Why it matters: Staff and commissioners said the wetland credits are needed to clear a regulatory path for the project but debated whether to purchase now or wait for a refined project cost estimate. Commissioner Pelton and others asked staff to obtain a project cost estimate (including archaeological monitoring fees from Beaver Creek) before the county is committed to full purchase and construction spending.

Action and vote: The board voted to authorize pursuing the wetland credits and to begin the purchase process; roll call showed affirmative votes from the commissioners present. Staff clarified that the county has not yet acquired permanent right-of-way for the project, and that the credits would only be paid if the project goes to bid and proceeds.

Next steps: Commissioners directed engineering staff to obtain a project cost estimate — including anticipated borrow requirements and archaeological monitoring costs — and to return to the board with that information before further major commitments. The county intends to proceed with coordination among U.S. Army Corps, SHPO and utilities during final design and permitting.

Ending: The board left the purchase option open as a way to avoid schedule delay if the full project proceeds, but commissioners emphasized they want clearer cost estimates before advancing construction obligations.