EDAC unanimously backs recommendation for geotechnical bids on marina seawall

The Dillon Economic Development Advisory Committee recommended that the Town Council put geotechnical bids out for work on the Dillon marina seawall, with the committee urging that the geotech work begin as early as fall 2026.

Committee members and staff stressed that a geotechnical study is the first necessary step before design and construction. Town staff said a typical geotechnical study would “go out and with a drill rig and obtain soil samples at various depths and also determine the depth to bedrock,” noting an estimate of roughly $50,000 for the study and a design phase potentially lasting six months. Staff characterized overall construction costs as likely in the range of several million dollars: “Were looking at somewhere between 500 to $600,000” for design percentages and a possible $5–6 million construction projection.

Members discussed funding and permitting pathways, including borrowing or bonding for construction and the possibility of state grant programs; staff identified DOLA as a potential grant source and reminded the group that previous CRCA (Colorado River Cooperative Agreement) funds had partly funded earlier seawall phases. Staff and members also noted interagency approvals may be required: coordination with Denver Water and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could affect schedule, especially if wetlands or expanded footprint are involved.

At the meeting the chair moved that EDAC recommend to Town Council that geotechnical bids be solicited; a member seconded, there were no recorded nays, and members agreed a formal written recommendation would be prepared for the council packet deadline (the Thursday before the July 21 council meeting at noon). The committee emphasized this would be a recommendation to Council to begin geotech procurement, not an authorization of construction or final funding.