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Marion County approves $5.77 million contract to excavate Detroit Lake marinas amid procurement questions
Summary
The Marion County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $5,774,158 public improvement agreement with Siegmund Excavation and Construction to excavate under two marinas at Detroit Lake, funded by federal, state and local sources; a local contractor raised procurement concerns during public comment and two commissioners noted potential conflicts of interest on the record.
Marion County commissioners on March 12 approved a $5,774,158 Public Improvement Agreement with Siegmund Excavation and Construction to excavate beneath two marinas at Detroit Lake to allow operation at a lower lake level and extend the summer recreation season.
Kelli Weese, the project presenter, said the work will extend the summer season (May 1–Oct. 1), define the safe boating channel and is expected to generate about $1.2 million in annual direct and indirect economic activity with a $14.6 million net economic benefit over 20 years. The contract scope includes preconstruction, marina construction at both Detroit and Kanes marinas, sediment placement and alternate bid items; the contract includes a 1% change-order cap and is scheduled to be substantially complete by May 1, 2026.
Funding for the project combines federal, state and local sources: $3 million in ARPA funds, a $2 million congressional spending request, $60,000 from the Business Oregon Brownfields Redevelopment Fund and $50,000 from a local economic development fund.
During public comment, Dylan Bochsler of North Santiam Paving Company said NSP’s protest related to the Detroit Marinas project was denied and said the firm would not push the protest further, but asked county officials how they could justify spending $1 million more on the same project with the same contractor and urged a full overhaul of procurement processes. The board did not take a separate vote on procurement procedures during the meeting.
Two commissioners noted potential conflicts of interest on the record before the vote. Commissioner Kevin Cameron acknowledged a potential conflict of interest, and Commissioner Danielle Bethell said she stores her boat at the marina. Commissioner Colm Willis moved to approve the agreement; Commissioner Kevin Cameron seconded the motion and the voice vote was unanimous.
The contract term runs through Dec. 31, 2026. The board directed staff to work with contracts staff to ensure notification requirements are met; no amendments or change orders were adopted at the meeting.
Next steps: construction is planned for the 2025–2026 drawdown period with substantial completion by May 1, 2026.
