Sioux County Conservation seeks $50k–$60k from Hayward for boat ramp land purchase

Rob Klucky, representing the Sioux County Conservation Board, asked the Hayward City Council on May 13 to partner on acquiring property for a new boat ramp and landing along the Big Sioux River, near Carl's Landing. Klucky said the board has identified a site that is stable and close to town and is seeking a city contribution of between $50,000 and $60,000 to help secure the property.

Klucky told the council the Conservation Board would match the city's contribution and that the Sioux County Sportsmen’s Club will contribute $10,000; the project is also relying on grant funding, and Klucky said the board already received a $30,000 fish-habitat grant and is pursuing additional Land and Water Conservation Fund resources. The property is being surveyed and, if the timeline holds, could close within about 45 days; if not, the acquisition would proceed after July 1, which may ease fiscal-year timing for the city.

Council members said the project appears needed to restore local river access after previous ramp losses and that the FY27 budget has flexibility to accommodate the request if the timing requires a post-July contribution. Staff said the city can consider splitting payments across fiscal years if necessary. Klucky said the Conservation Board will handle most maintenance tasks after the ramp is built; the city might assist with occasional equipment use for debris removal.

Council members expressed general support and asked staff to work on the mechanics of timing and accounting; council did not take a formal vote on funding at the May 13 meeting, but staff said bringing claims or an amendment could be used to authorize payment later this fiscal year.