Great River Energy representative seeks temporary lease of county gravel pit for Northland Reliability staging

Tom Strauch, environmental service supervisor, told commissioners Great River Energy (via the Northland Reliability Project representative) is seeking to lease a county gravel pit acquired in a recent land exchange for a temporary laydown yard to stage materials, equipment and office trailers for Phase 2 construction.

Strauch said the lease term runs through Dec. 31, 2031 with month-to-month extensions depending on construction needs, a holding fee of $1,500/month when inactive and $3,500/month when the laydown yard is actively used (approximately $42,000/year during active periods). "The proposed fee is $3,500 a month when the lay down yard is actively being used," Strauch said. Cody Dirks, the project's representative, described the expected materials (matting materials, wooden mats, cable reels, poles and temporary trailers) and told the board no permanent structures or county well access are requested.

Commissioners asked about utilities, security and access; Strauch said existing gates and two access points exist and that utilities would be the contractor's responsibility. Staff recommended bringing the lease back on a future consent agenda, with the lease reviewed by the county attorney and with any additional conditions (security, gate requirements) addressed before finalization.