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Board sets bid date for FEMA‑backed repairs to Joint Drainage District 61
Summary
After an engineering presentation, the Dickinson County Board set an Aug. 27 bid letting for repairs to Joint Drainage District 61 and Branch 61. Engineers estimate a $1.2 million project (FEMA 75%/state 10%) with roughly $195,000 estimated as the district’s 15% share, finalized after bids.
A county engineer's presentation and public hearing on repairs to Joint Drainage District 61 concluded with the board setting a bid letting for Thursday, Aug. 27 at 2:00 PM and planning to approve bids at the supervisors' meeting and by Zoom on Sept. 1.
The presenter said the district sustained widespread flood damage in June 2024 and that eligible work would receive federal and state cost sharing. "Eligible projects with FEMA receive a cost share of 75% at the federal level and then an additional 10% at the state level," the presenter said, and noted the remaining roughly 15% would be assessed to landowners under the district schedule. The engineering report lists a total estimated project for the main Joint Drainage District 61 of $1,196,422; 15% of that estimate is listed as $195,413.75 as the preliminary amount to be assessed to the district’s landowners. Branch 61 was estimated at about $62,478, with roughly $11,000 assessed locally.
During public comment and Q&A, landowners asked when they would receive parcel‑specific estimates. The county auditor advised residents to visit the auditor’s office for parcel‑level, estimated shares: "If you have a specific question to your land, come into the auditor's office, and I can put an estimated amount based off your assessment to that specific parcel," the auditor said, emphasizing final assessments require bids and project closeout.
Engineers described two primary damage types — shallow topsoil/vegetation loss and larger rotational bank failures — and outlined repair methods (excavation, stair‑step recompaction, and hydromulch/hydroseeding). They also warned that Army Corps permits require reconstruction to original dimensions, limiting widening or certain mitigation measures such as riprap in the main channel.
The motion to set the Aug. 27 bid letting and to include approval of the engineer's report passed by voice vote; supervisors recorded unanimous approval. The next procedural steps are public bid solicitation, a bid opening/award recommendation and formal approval at the Sept. 1 supervisors' meeting (scheduled as a Zoom for participating counties).
