County updates bridge projects, dam removal work and federal funding pursuits
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Summary
Public works told the board the Cassaw 9 bridge faces rising steel costs and a funding gap; TKDA and county staff seek additional federal funds. Staff also reported coordination with FERC and FEMA on dam reporting, license surrender and grant constraints affecting private-property stabilization.
Blue Earth County public works provided multiple infrastructure updates on Feb. 3, including bridge design progress, federal funding pursuits and coordination on dam removal and river reestablishment.
Public works staff said bids for the Casa 26 bridge replacement in Mankato will be opened Feb. 11 and anticipated for board action March 3. Right-of-way acquisition is underway for several projects; a railroad crossing-agreement delay could affect schedules. Staff reported applying for a $1.5 million Local Road Improvement Program grant to support an upcoming project.
On a larger project, staff described Cassaw 9 (a major bridge) as sensitive to steel-industry pricing. TKDA is preparing a cost-justification letter to seek additional federal Emergency Relief funds and expects to provide a draft cost increase for board review. Staff said 90% plans are scheduled for late March and 100% plans in late April to meet a June 1 authorization deadline.
Public works noted the project faces a funding shortfall the presenter sized as roughly $12 million. The presenter also spoke of a total construction figure that appears in the transcript as "about $2,728,000,000;" that number is inconsistent with later comments and may reflect a transcription or statement error. The board discussion focused on pursuing federal STP and Local Partnership Program funds to close the gap.
On dam-related work, staff said meetings with FERC covered a final dam-failure report and license-surrender issues; county staff also met with Homeland Security Emergency Management and FEMA to discuss grant options. Officials warned that Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) terms could require deed restrictions that prevent placing fill on affected private properties, complicating stabilization plans and potentially making HMGP infeasible for some parcels. Barr and design partners will revise designs to meet regulatory direction to return to a natural river substrate in affected areas.
Public works said the county will continue pursuing funding and coordination, and will return to the board with formal cost updates as TKDA and consultants finalize revised estimates.