Commissioners approve Mapleton road transfers and ask staff to develop concept for regional outdoor training center

The Cass County Board approved two memoranda of understanding with Mapleton Township that transfer segments of county roadway because of a diversion project. County staff described the package as relinquishing parts of the existing County Road 8 and accepting new segments (32nd Avenue and 38th Street) to be improved to county standards during the 2027 construction season.

After the road MOUs, Sheriff Johnner proposed that the county study a regional outdoor firearms and tactical training facility on a county-owned parcel southeast of Durban. He said the site is currently unused and was acquired as a FEMA buyout after a 1997 flood, which imposes constraints on how the land can be reused. "Currently, it's being used for nothing. It is a flood it's a flood buyout lot after the 97 flood. It was purchased with FEMA dollars, so we would have to work around that," a county staff member noted during questions. Sheriff Johnner said the site's distance from residences and the potential to re-use an older structure for tactical training make it attractive as a multi-year concept.

A commissioner moved to request development of a concept and vision for a regional training center on the county-owned property identified in the presentation and to bring the plan back for further review; the board approved that direction by roll call. Commissioners emphasized the need to consult adjacent townships and landowners and to confirm any FEMA restrictions or variance processes before committing funds.

The MOUs with Mapleton Township were approved on roll call earlier in the meeting, and county staff said the GIS department and county road staff will coordinate updates to official maps and plan the 2027 improvements.

Next steps: staff will research FEMA restrictions on the buyout parcel, pursue township outreach and return to the commission with a concept plan and cost estimates.