Presenter seeks $3,500 Riverboat Fund match to remove riverbank pipes; council advertises the request

A presenter (S11) asked Owen County council for $3,500 from the Riverboat Fund to serve as a design-and-engineering match for a riverbank restoration project aimed at removing two inactive pipes that are accelerating erosion.

"I have lowered that amount to 3,500," the presenter said, describing coordination with utilities, engineers from SWCA and Purdue, and an emergency Department of Natural Resources authorization for preparatory work. The presenter said the utilities have agreed to cap and remove the pipes and that construction funding would be requested later if the design phase succeeds.

Committee member (S4) clarified to council members that the grant being discussed covers design and engineering only and that a separate construction request will follow if the design is funded. President (S2) and others asked whether the town and other partners would share costs; the presenter said town and foundation matches are likely and that the project supports tourism and economic development along a trail network.

Council moved to advertise a $3,500 Riverboat Fund appropriation for the design match. Motion records show a motion by Anton and a second by Joe; discussion indicated some members wanted the town to contribute more, and a council member later noted the vote seemed to be four in favor and three opposed. The council proceeded with the advertisement so the item will return for a formal appropriation vote.

The presenter said DNR had issued an emergency letter of authorization accelerating review for the design work and that engineers saw potential to complete multiple critical areas in a single ramp cycle, which would reduce future construction costs. The council asked staff to advertise the request so public notice and comment can occur ahead of final action.