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Board approves Ashwaubomay and Dutchman's Creek project designs for NRDA/GLRI review
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Summary
The board approved 60%+ designs for shoreline stabilization, habitat structures and a kayak launch at Ashwaubomay Park and Dutchman's Creek and authorized submission to the federal NRDA/GLRI review; the project remains contingent on federal funding.
The Village Board approved the 60% design package for the Ashwaubomay and Dutchman's Creek restoration project (ACDC), to be submitted to the Natural Resource Damage Assessment/ Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (NRDA/GLRI) for final funding review.
Rex (last name not specified), Parks and Recreation staff, said the grant‑funded project includes shoreline stabilization, additional in‑water habitat ("fish sticks" and cribs), pollinator gardens, bird habitat structures and a proposed kayak launch at Ashwaubomay Park. The design also contemplates shoreline stabilization near the railroad museum and improvements around the northeast point of the park. The design team from Stantec and a DNR project manager were available to answer technical questions.
Jessica Brandt, the Great Lakes AOC (Area of Concern) project specialist (participating remotely), said project funding requests will go to Fish and Wildlife or EPA implementation funds; she cautioned that federal funding availability in the current cycle remained uncertain and that the implementation request typically moves between March and May for consideration.
Board members asked about long‑term maintenance costs. Staff said the grant was designed to minimize ongoing village expenses — most immediate costs would be covered by grant awards — and that the village could expect limited maintenance such as spot treatment for invasive species after construction. The board approved the designs and authorized staff to proceed with the grant submission; trustees asked that adjacent residents be notified with mailed letters similar to earlier outreach for related projects.
Why it matters: the project would add in‑water and riparian habitat and shoreline stabilization, with potential benefits for fisheries, bird habitat and public recreation. The project is contingent on federal funding decisions and could require follow‑up communications to neighbors and modest long‑term maintenance resources should construction proceed.
