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Finance committee backs DNR grant to replace Bridal Isle boat launch
Summary
The Muskego City Finance Committee recommended supporting a Wisconsin DNR recreation boating facilities grant to replace the Bridal Isle boat launch; the total project cost is estimated at $300,000 with $150,000 state aid and a $150,000 local share, and work is planned for this fall.
The Muskego City Finance Committee on Oct. 8 recommended approval of a resolution to accept grant funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ recreation boating facilities program to replace the Bridal Isle boat launch.
Committee members were told the total project cost is $300,000, with DNR state aid expected to cover $150,000 and the city’s share at about $150,000. A staff speaker said the project will be publicly bid and that a contract is expected to be presented to the committee in roughly two weeks, with construction planned for this fall. The staff speaker also said the city can request a 50% advance from the state if needed.
The DNR grant carries a condition that the site remain a boat launch for 20 years, a restriction staff identified as a standard program requirement. Staff also noted the grant cannot be used for dredging; the project scope therefore emphasizes the ramp and main turnaround, with alternate bid items to limit work on the larger parking area if bids come in above estimate.
An engineering estimate provided to the committee placed total cost at roughly $343,000, and staff said the grant application assumed an 80% contribution in error when filling out paperwork; the DNR clarified the award would be for the typical 50% share based on location and program rules. To manage that gap, staff said the project includes alternate bid items so the city need not request additional capital funds beyond the $150,000 previously budgeted.
Committee members asked about procurement and whether the city could use cooperative contracts (TIPS). Staff explained that TIPS and similar cooperative purchasing arrangements are typically used for product purchases, not construction projects; this job will be advertised as a public construction contract on the Quest bidding system with written specs, prequalification and the ability to reject bids if responses are inadequate.
Alderman (unnamed in the transcript) asked about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) elements; staff said ADA accessibility is included throughout the plans and pointed out an existing ADA‑accessible fishing pier at Idle Isle as an example.
The committee voted by voice to recommend approval of the resolution supporting receipt of the DNR grant. The recommendation will be forwarded for any further required approvals and the bid results will return to the committee for review before contracts are executed.
