Marion County approves $5.77 million contract to excavate Detroit Lake marinas after public protest

Marion County commissioners on March 12 approved a $5,774,158 public improvement agreement with Sigman Excavation and Construction to excavate beneath two marinas at Detroit Lake, a project county staff says will lengthen the summer season for lake businesses and improve local resiliency.

The project will excavate under Detroit Lake Marina and Cain’s Marina and place the material to extend the Osprey Point peninsula, create a protected shallow recreation area and clarify the safe boating channel, County Community Services Director Kelly Weese told the board. "We are looking at excavating underneath the 2 marinas at Detroit Lake in order for them to operate at a lower lake level," Weese said.

The board vote followed public comment from Dylan Boeschler of North City and Paving Company, who said his firm’s appeal of the county’s award decision was denied. "How and why can the county justify spending a million dollars more on the same or less of a project with the exact same contractor?" Boeschler asked, urging the commissioners to "do a full overhaul and review of your procurement processes." He said his company would not pursue litigation or media but wanted the…