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Board approves conservation repairs: $55,000 to finish Union Bridge Trail and $65,000 for Little Sioux boat ramp
Summary
Conservation requested emergency funding to finish the Union Bridge Trail (county to front $55,000 pending 85% FEMA reimbursement) and $65,000 to repair the Little Sioux Park boat ramp used for regular water rescues; board approved both measures and also funded a new Toughbook laptop for conservation law enforcement.
Dan Heisel of Woodbury County Conservation asked the board for temporary funding to finish several flood‑related repairs. He requested $55,000 to place concrete on the Union Bridge Trail's final segment and said FEMA has approved contracts and that the county should front the cost while expecting 85% reimbursement. "My request is, is there any funds through gaming or lost that you could pay for this out of and wait for?" Heisel asked, noting the final FEMA reimbursement process can be slow.
The board discussed options including using LOST/gaming funds or dipping into reserves with the intention to amend the budget when FEMA funds arrive. Supervisors agreed to proceed with local funding and expect FEMA reimbursement to return to the funding source. The board also approved $65,000 to repair the Little Sioux Park boat ramp, with Heisel citing the ramp's regular use for emergency response: "Last year, they rescued 2 people off the river by putting the boats in there." Finally, the board approved $2,872 from gaming funds for a new law‑enforcement Toughbook laptop for conservation field officers, after staff clarified refurbished vs new pricing.
