(Wahpeton)– Some Wahpeton residents say it’s high time the city’s canals be dredged.
Several renewed their call for dredging at Monday’s city council meeting, saying the lake access is vital to maintaining property values.
The delegation has been seeking financial assistance from various sources, including the state. But Mayor Mike McDonough says their options may be limited, since it’s doubtful the state would contribute anything toward the project.
An opinion from the City Attorney was read, saying any dredging would require approval from the Department of Natural Resources. The opinion questioned what, if any involvement the city should have since there’s a question as to whether or not the canals were ever dedicated to Wahpeton.
The opinion listed two possible funding options, including assessing the cost to property owners who would benefit; or by forming a corporate entity among those who want the project done. The cost of dredging the city’s primary canals has been estimated at roughly 200-thousand dollars. The group said they’d like to get the work done this fall. The silt would be hauled to a site to be determined a year from now.
The council directed the group to get more information and to contact the DNR to see if they’d be willing to participate if a canal near state-owned land was included in the project. They’ll also meet with residents in the Turtle Lake area to see if they’d be willing to participate as well.
Mayor Mike McDonough asked the group to put together atleast one proposal and report back to the council.
