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Blue Earth County approves engineer plan and public bidding for County Ditch 25 repairs
Summary
After an ISG engineering review, the Blue Earth County Board approved a repair plan and directed engineers to prepare construction plans and specifications for County Ditch 25. The project estimate is just over $330,000; no public comments were offered at the hearing.
Blue Earth County commissioners accepted an ISG engineer report on Tuesday and ordered final construction plans for repairs to County Ditch 25.
Charles J. Bridal of ISG presented the report and recommended a suite of repairs including open‑ditch cleaning (removing 6 inches to 2 feet of sediment in many reaches), selective tree removal, side‑slope stabilization and a rock riffle sequence at the outlet to restore legal grade and reduce erosion. Bridal said the overall repairs are estimated at "just a touch over $330,000," with about $184,000 for mainline cleaning, $45,000 for Branch 1, $30,000 for Branch 2 and about $56,000 for alternative side inlets (ASIs). He added that portions of the ASIs are being reviewed with the Blue Earth County Soil and Water Conservation District for possible funding.
The board opened a statutorily required final hearing under Minnesota Statute 103E.705 and invited public comment; no one spoke. After brief discussion the board moved, seconded and approved a motion to accept the engineer's report and to order the engineers to prepare plans and specifications suitable for public bidding and construction. The motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps outlined by staff include preparing bidding documents and seeking favorable contractor bids; ISG said construction could occur later in the year if bids and contractor availability align. The board also set no additional conditions at the public hearing and confirmed that staff will proceed with the public‑bid process.
