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Onalaska will pay consultant up to $15,000 to pursue state grants for US-53 Sand Lake Road regional pond project
Summary
The Onalaska Board of Public Works authorized staff to engage Strand Associates for up to $15,000 from TID 6 to prepare grant applications for the US Highway 53 Sand Lake Road Regional Pond Project, and approved two resolutions allowing the director to apply for and administer state grants.
The Onalaska Board of Public Works on March 3 voted unanimously to engage Strand Associates to prepare and pursue state grant applications for the US Highway 53 Sand Lake Road Regional Pond Project and approved two resolutions authorizing grant application and administration.
Public Works Director Jared Holter told the board Strand’s design submittal was the only one to outline potential grant opportunities and recommended hiring the firm to complete the grant paperwork for an additional $15,000. "They did actually increase the amount of grant funding ... to 3,000,000, I think it says in here," Holter said when referencing consultant materials; he also described two specific grant opportunities the city will pursue: a Wisconsin DNR urban nonpoint source construction grant (potentially up to $150,000) and a Wisconsin DNR municipal flood control grant (potentially up to $600,000, per the packet). Holter emphasized the city had already solicited letters of support and completed hazard assessments and that staff lacks specialized grant expertise and contacts.
Mayor Kim Smith said the timing of submitting a project-ready application improves the city’s chances with state transportation and grant reviewers. Smith moved to engage Strand for grant application services not to exceed $15,000, with the funds coming from TID 6; Sabrina Steger seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Following that vote the board approved Resolution 7-2026, authorizing the Director of Public Works to act as the grant administrator for the urban nonpoint source and stormwater grant application, and Resolution 8-2026, authorizing submittal of a municipal flood control grant application and the subsequent appropriation of city funds should the grant be awarded. Jared Holter noted that the capital improvement plan and TID funds would provide the city’s share, if required.
Board members said the consultant’s assistance would reduce the city’s borrowing needs if grant funding is awarded. All motions were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Next steps described by staff include formal grant application submissions and consultant-prepared materials; the board did not set a separate deadline beyond the application process.
