Oakport Township dike project moving ahead
Oakport Township’s dike project north of Moorhead will soon be taking shape, but some snags remain, according to Greg Anderson, chairman of the township board.By: Dave Olson, INFORUM
Oakport Township’s dike project north of Moorhead will soon be taking shape, but some snags remain, according to Greg Anderson, chairman of the township board.
Anderson said he is working with about 17 property owners to develop ways to mitigate the loss of about 300 trees that will have to be cut down to accommodate dikes.
Anderson said the trees protect the properties from windblown snow and also act as sound barriers.
He said in some cases trees may be planted to restore lost benefits, but each property may require a different solution.
On the positive side, Anderson said contracts for two initial facets of the project have come in about $1.2 million under engineer estimates.
That work involves a dike that will run from Wall Street to 70th Avenue and a dike that will run from what is known as “the coulee” to Broadway.
Those segments could be completed by spring, according to Anderson.
The entire project, estimated to cost $18 million, is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2011.
Anderson said the $12 million secured so far is expected to be enough to pay for three of the project’s four phases.
He said additional funding will be sought next year.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Olson at (701) 241-5555
Tags: oakport township, flood, moorhead, minnesota, news
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