10.5. SR 05-06-2019
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 10.5
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work session May 6, 2019 Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator
Item Description Reviewed by
LORE Update (Lake Orono Restoration and Amanda Bednar, Environmental Coordinator
Enhancement)
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Discuss the status of the LORE as it relates to proposed funding, permitting, and major project dates.
Background/Discussion
At the December 18, 2017, Council Work Session, funding was discussed for the proposed LORE. Since
then, the current status of funding is:
March 2019 – House File 80 was signed by Governor Walz which includes $1.5 million for
Dredging of Lake Orono. The funds should be available soon.
Local Option Sales Tax (Elk River) – $1 million included in the Omnibus Tax Bill (Pending).
Lake Improvement District Assessment - $750,000
Total estimated budget is $3.25 million (Requested).
Staff is coordinating with regulatory agencies via the draft Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
process. Most recently, we met with DNR representatives to discuss a draft dredging location and
enhancement site plan. The EAW is tentatively planned to be submitted to the Environmental Quality
Board for comment in mid-May and formal decision to be made by Council in July. This is required to be
completed before any other permits can be issued for the project.
The anticipated start date for the LORE with the gradual lake drawdown is September 2020 due to
hibernating turtles. Permitting for the drawdown requires 75% of lakeshore owners sign off in agreeance,
this is not yet completed.
Excavation of accumulated sediment may start in late November 2020 with hauling of sediment
completed before mid-February 2021. Installation of habitat enhancement features would occur while the
lake is drawn down.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
Figure 4 – (DRAFT) Proposed Site Plan
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Document Path: K:\\013744-000\\GIS\\Maps\\Fig4 Dredging Only.mxd Date Saved: 4/30/2019 10:28:00 AM
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