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Town staff outlines Die Branch restoration plan; engineers estimate roughly $4 million for two‑mile stretch
Summary
Staff presented a Kimley‑Horn feasibility study identifying severe erosion on Die Branch, with six high‑priority sections and a combined design and construction estimate of just over $4 million; council asked staff to identify grant options and small volunteer projects while discussing phased work.
Town staff presented findings from a feasibility study and design concept for stream bank stabilization along a two‑mile stretch of Die Branch that runs from Walter Elijah to behind Harris Street Park and the nearby elementary school.
Leanne Clark, a town staff presenter, summarized the Kimley‑Horn study: engineers identified six high‑priority sections totaling about 1,560 linear feet where erosion threatens infrastructure and private property, five medium‑priority sections of about 2,160 linear feet, and four low‑priority sections totaling about 4,250 linear feet. The engineering estimate presented for design, surveying, permitting and construction for the full scope was “just over $4 million,” Clark said.
Clark and Eric (town staff) described multiple constraints: existing utilities and sewer crossings exposed by erosion, privately owned parcels requiring easements, staging and access challenges from steep topography and the presence of FEMA‑mapped floodway. Clark noted the town owns most of the corridor selected for study and that the school district owns other large parcels inside the study area.
The proposed options include phased construction or bundling several sections into larger contracts for economies of scale, incorporation of greenway and trail design alongside stabilization work, and use of plantings and bank regrading to reduce future erosion. Staff recommended pursuing grants, using available cash reserves for critical work and coordinating stream restoration with trail development to avoid design conflicts.
Council members asked for clarification on phasing, grant opportunities and whether Army Corps or FEMA permits would be required; staff replied that federal permits may be necessary depending on final designs and that the engineering firm would handle permitting. A council member asked staff to identify smaller volunteer projects (for Eagle Scout or community groups) that could be implemented while larger design and permitting proceed. No formal appropriation or contract award occurred at the meeting.
