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Committee directs staff to explore funding for Eau Claire River maintenance and ADA launch fixes
Summary
Presenters asked the committee to pursue small dedicated funding for river maintenance and to address an ADA launch that is being undermined by drainage; the committee voted to have staff investigate tourism- and grant-based options and consider river maintenance in the August budget priorities.
Presenters from local outdoor-rec recreation groups described increased recreational use of the Eau Claire River and asked the committee to consider setting aside modest funds for emergency removal of fallen trees, drainage fixes at the ADA launch, and other maintenance.
Tim White and Dan Nigadawatham outlined recent work removing several trees this spring, noted the river’s changing channels and low summer flows in some side channels, and said the ADA launch is currently unusable because drainage is washing out the access. "The ADA launch is unusable right now" the presenters said, urging the village to consider small budgeted amounts or grant/room-tax funding to address recurring maintenance needs. They described partnerships with a farmers‑led water‑quality group and prospects for a "friends" organization to help with fundraising and volunteer work.
Committee members agreed it is worth researching potential funding sources including tourism or room‑tax dollars, and directed staff to investigate grants and budget priority placement for river maintenance. A motion to have staff look into funding and report back was made, seconded and carried on voice vote.
