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County approves multiple public‑works awards; dam project faces FEMA deadline
Summary
The commissioners awarded contracts for a 2026 overlay project, a sign truck chassis and two electric pickups, renewed trail sponsor agreements, and received project updates including a dam removal project with a FEMA‑related deadline of June 28, 2028 to have an awarded contract and started work to strengthen an extension case.
Blue Earth County commissioners on June 9 approved several public‑works contract awards and received progress updates on major infrastructure projects, including a dam removal effort that carries a FEMA deadline for award and construction start.
Public works staff presented and the board approved a sponsor agreement with the Amboy Snowbirds to formalize trail sponsorship and renewed the county’s MnDOT sponsor agreement for the Amboy route. One commissioner abstained from the Snowbirds vote because he is a landowner and a member of the club.
Staff recommended and the board approved contract awards recommended by county staff: the 2026 patuminous overlay project was recommended for award to Yulen Brothers at a low bid close to the engineer’s estimate (staff presented a recommended award amount of $632,237.20); the low bid for the 2026 sign truck chassis and components was $261,346.13 from NUS Truck & Equipment and was recommended for award; and two electric pickup trucks (GMC Sierras) were recommended for award to Snell Motors for $132,466. Staff noted roughly 80% of the EV pickups’ cost will be covered by federal funding, leaving 20% county share.
Staff also briefed the board on ongoing projects: County Road 5 construction with a hard closure in place, County Road 4 bridge nearing completion and approach paving scheduled, County Road 10 ditching and overlay with a July completion target, a CR 26 box culvert installation pending arrival of the correct box, and CR 69 reconstruction and trail addition underway. Staff reported maintenance activities including crack sealing, patuminous patching, blading, and dust control.
On the dam removal project, staff said federal and permitting reviews continue and FEMA indicated a June 28, 2028 deadline tied to the disaster declaration: having an awarded contract and started construction will strengthen the county’s case for an extension beyond that date. Staff said final 60% plans and environmental reviews are prerequisites for agency approvals; they remain engaged with permitting agencies and FEMA as the county refines a preferred design.
Motions to award the contracts and accept the project updates were carried during the meeting.
