By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Dakota City, IA – The Humboldt County Conservation Board talks more about their intentions with the Reasoner Dam with the supervisors.
During the most recent meeting of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, Conservation Director Todd Lee readdressed the Joe Reasoner Dam in Humboldt. Previously Lee had requested that the supervisor include expenses for making improvements to the dam on the county’s upcoming bonding.
Lee says that the dam is a project that the conservation board has been trying to update for a long time. Most recently about a year ago he says he began working with a contact at the Iowa DNR to get guidance on plans. He says that no options are off the table but the next step is to decide what the best three or four options then choose a course of action from there.
The supervisors agree that dam needs to be addressed and it would be beneficial for the county and City of Humboldt to see it updated. Lee along with Supervisor Sandy Loney talked about the benefits it would have on the quality of life in Humboldt. They say that they are always looking to draw in new residence to the area and improving the dam would improve the river as a recreational spot.
Supervisor Pedersen says that FEMA grants Lee had brought up need the matching portion from the county. Pedersen says that looking at the business side of it “it’s a good time to do it” because interest rates are down but also contractors are looking for more work. He says he feels like it is a good opportunity for this to go forward.
No action was taken on this agenda item but the Reasoner Dam project will be part of the conversation during next Monday’s public hearing for the county’s bonding consideration.