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County advances bridge and dam projects; FHWA funds $15 million, dam estimate $28 million amid federal review
Summary
Public Works reported that FHWA provided $15 million toward a county bridge project, which staff said should make the bridge fully funded; the dam project is estimated at $28 million and is advancing through FEMA and other federal and state permitting and environmental-review steps.
Public Works gave extended updates on multiple infrastructure projects, including a bridge project advanced with MnDOT and FHWA and a large dam project moving through federal environmental and permitting reviews.
Staff said FHWA provided $15,000,000 of federal funds toward the bridge project, putting it effectively fully funded in coordination with MnDOT. The board was told project plans were advertised for bid letting on Aug. 26, and bids are planned to be brought back to the Sept. 8 county board meeting for consideration pending state approvals. On the dam project, staff said FEMA estimates placed the project cost at $28,000,000 and that FEMA needs the county's 60% plans and scope materials as part of the NEPA process. Staff described parallel development of two design options to 60% to accelerate permitting and noted potential additional engineering costs; staff also warned there are unknowns in the riverbed that could require contract changes after in-river work starts.
Commissioners and staff discussed timeline risks tied to river flows and federal approvals; staff said they would aim to get the dam bid package ready for winter/spring 2027 but acknowledged federal timing and environmental approvals could affect schedule and reimbursement exposure under FEMA rules.
