Olmsted Board May Vote in July on Lake Zumbro Project Funding
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) The funding of a long-planned proposal to dredge Lake Zumbro is still up in the air but a decision by the Olmsted County Board may come by the end of July.
The Board Tuesday spent more than an hour discussing a request from project supporters to contribute nearly $1 million. The project’s current cost is $7 million.
The state has agreed to pay half the cost, provided local funds cover the rest, or $3 ½ million.
The Board was told RPU has agreed to pay a third of the local cost and Wabasha County has indicated it will contribute $100,000. Property owners who are part of the Lake Improvement District will also contribute.
Some County Board members questioned the $1 million request, noting Rochester residents will also be paying through RPU’s contribution.
The Board decided before a vote is taken on the request, it wants written commitments from RPU and the Wabasha County Board.
The state grant is scheduled to expire next year, although the Board was told it could be extended. The project calls for removing 1.2 million cubic yards from the lake, or until the $7 million is used up.
Also Tuesday, the Board approved an agreement with Oronoco to proceed with the Zumbro River Restoration Project at the site of what once was Lake Shady. The county will pay 60 percent of the local match of $230,000 and Oronoco will cover the balance. Most of the project’s cost will be covered through state grants totaling $3 ½ million.
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