[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6479349,"mediaKeyId","5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc","parentId",5701413,"title","Iowa County conservation staff seek $247,000 Gateway Park boat-ramp, parking upgrades; board asks for financing plan","audioSeconds",1413,"startMs",3005000,"endMs",4418000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc&start=3005&end=4418","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc/thumbnail_3005000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479349/Iowa-County/Iowa/Iowa-County-conservation-staff-seek-247000-Gateway-Park-boat-ramp-parking-upgrades-board-asks-for-financing-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479349-f585b7177488fba158485afec4ceb414/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490657&Signature=TwUihNZCb6Ir8CjUIRp3H5EbtA7waAUHUszaSClQCL6sDWA8UvKFzIxTRh77IHNJszncWU5pN4ru7slnsr8872X8jeMxcLszvAnHu8f4pLgzYE4s~cR1RYq6EGYOSAOxgq-C-GWiqPN~55h8mxStfvK9-mmGaGnDUnTWtavEavRWXQfZY9FMQUfY0m9t2FylLT9wl~y487aof20BkeKCcGgyDji7VqW5KJ48QEy29Ngz7SVnb5smccnsAdfKCybk~rNw5V~KMOprVc3AefQttRamNixzjyqG2N-NnS5AEHhJkd0bxtUkUeyQmaWVrBiS15NVGcFuqy4zPVyHwHFZGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Iowa County","date","2025-08-30T03:48:29Z","article","Conservation staff presented a plan to upgrade the boat ramp, parking and access at Gateway Park and Preserve in Marengo, proposing a $247,000 project that staff say would be reimbursed 75% by a state water-recreational access grant.

The proposal, presented during the Aug. 29 meeting of the Iowa County Board of Supervisors, would use a mix of donated funds and county funds to pay project costs up front and then seek reimbursement from the state grant. Conservation staff estimated the state portion at $185,783 and the county’s share at $61,947; staff also said roughly $155,000 in donation funds are available to offset county costs.

The board’s discussion focused on two practical questions: whether the project should be scaled back to a minimal repair and how the county would provide the upfront funding while still receiving grant reimbursements.

Conservation presenter said the project would remake the boat launch area that becomes unusable in low water, add designated parking (including handicap stalls), and improve a short trail so people would not walk in the roadway. \"The state will cover 75% of the cost of this project,\" the presenter said, noting the grant is fuel-tax revenue designated for water recreational access.

Supervisors pressed for options. One supervisor asked whether simply repairing two damaged concrete panels on the ramp would cost less than the county share; staff said a contractor previously estimated roughly $4,000 per panel and that the $247,000 figure is a high-level “worst-case” cost opinion intended to avoid undercounting needs. Staff said design choices — for example crushed rock instead of concrete for some surfaces — could reduce cost and that the estimates will be refined in design.

Board members raised broader budget priorities. Several supervisors objected to committing county funds now for what one described as a project that benefits a relatively small number of regular users, arguing maintenance and road projects elsewhere are higher priorities. Other supervisors said the grant money is specifically earmarked for conservation projects and would otherwise go unused by other counties, and they argued improved facilities could increase local economic activity from anglers and park users.

Because the county does not have the full amount of grant-fronting funds readily available, the board did not approve the project at the meeting. Instead, supervisors asked conservation staff to return at the next meeting with a clear financing plan showing (1) which donated funds and which internal conservation accounts would pay the upfront costs, (2) an updated cost estimate reflecting lower-cost design alternatives (for example crushed-rock parking), and (3) a timeline for reimbursement from the state grant.

Staff also said public donations already pledged to the project total roughly $50,000 (recently increased) and that internal donation accounts contain additional funds; staff committed to itemizing those sources when they return with the refined proposal.

The board did not take a final vote on the Gateway Park concept; supervisors agreed to revisit the proposal once staff presents the requested financing and revised cost figures.

Ending: The county’s conservation office will return to the supervisors next week with a detailed breakdown of upfront funding sources, updated cost estimates and a reimbursement timeline before the board considers formal approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","regular meeting Aug 29","oneSentenceSummary","Conservation staff presented a plan to upgrade the boat ramp, parking and access at Gateway Park and Preserve in Marengo, proposing a $247,000 project that staff say would be reimbursed 75% by a state water-recreational access grant.","taxTitle","Iowa County, Iowa","taxId",73085,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479335,"Iowa County secondary-roads director reports bridge reopenings, equipment purchases and staffing challenges",1100,1043000,2143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc&start=1043&end=2143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc/thumbnail_1043000.jpg","/articles/6479335/Iowa-County/Iowa/Iowa-County-secondary-roads-director-reports-bridge-reopenings-equipment-purchases-and-staffing-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479335-9002acc5f6a287fba65b5935e36a4619/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490657&Signature=Nn8eDekTxRvu0rn5jwjOWViwElCKYorgafOJGcSP9zlkeC32FvVley6NXB7zEutmPw-sA~KHmrGwS9cCdQ0Vr6ZekT2RmONIDRD~3ZEU87UF2nmQRq1uY0uM5T5nWfWLrngfOahh2CPpxj7eSucV0dkzAS57pUb3XNlfTFYQV3e1LY5hIE2PO-MKDyc~6qadEScmMpwqEh8A5oN9XRDNRCWohKsZnYDNUqpB2RlJydLO4e1Y~wN5XW-CBMn60EmOwyeGne4vYoOaHQCcipa2zE-Gnkc1dIeEAaS03z-gQiMrLK09Qiy7ig5WydZYgfU8MZaCHIM4r1vQIdHxaK7v5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County roads staff provided a multi-topic operations update for Iowa County on Aug. 29, reporting work on bridges, purchases of heavy equipment and ongoing challenges hiring engineering staff.

Staff said the bridge on D Avenue has been removed and work on the box culvert on A 108th will allow the roadway to reopen in the afternoon; grading and finishing work will continue next week. Crews have been patching B Avenue and performing other routine maintenance.

On equipment, staff reported purchasing a used 2016 Freightliner Cascadia for $42,000 and adding a wet kit for about $8,000. The county also sought a new lowboy trailer and received a trade-in allowance of $18,000 for an older unit; another old truck was sold for scrap for approximately $7,000.

Staff described a microseal/micro slurry product demo done on a city block in Middle Amana, explaining the product is similar to a seal coat and can seal micro-cracks while providing a black finish. Staff estimated the product cost at roughly $3.50–$4.00 per square yard, plus mobilization and traffic control, and said it can require closing a road for about four hours for application.

On staffing, the roads presenter said the county is advertising for an engineer-level position but that experienced applicants are scarce; the department may instead hire a less-experienced engineer to handle in-house projects while outsourcing larger jobs. Staff asked the board to consider whether some supervisory or administrative duties could be redistributed to free technical staff for engineering tasks.

Staff also previewed upcoming items: a public hearing on Y Avenue and a district engineers meeting on Sept. 12. The presenter said three bridge projects are projected for next year but noted schedule and budget pressures could require delaying some projects if an assistant engineer is not hired.

Ending: Staff will proceed with equipment acquisition paperwork, continue bridge and patching work, and return with hiring updates and scheduling adjustments for next year’s projected bridge program.","The county’s roads staff reported a reopened bridge, continued patching, purchase of a used 2016 Freightliner Cascadia and a lowboy, and ongoing difficulty recruiting an experienced engineer. Staff also described a microseal/slurry demo and upcoming public hearings.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479339,"Iowa County awards PCC paving contract to Denco at $169.50 per square yard",113,880000,993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc&start=880&end=993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc/thumbnail_880000.jpg","/articles/6479339/Iowa-County/Iowa/Iowa-County-awards-PCC-paving-contract-to-Denco-at-16950-per-square-yard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479339-e903d0b87dd383d99f8c2be298a6f43e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490657&Signature=IUbwRuV6V7D1tT3wlseoMSw-JGgDvwRnkb-C~kRYRsmMewL9bKjnqXxMwuRfD-KHnvrmtW9y-TWorKh6mZa7GxWLDNExUjtHatxv9NvnWKSjJLyZ90qTYYMxWiL9k8oeT3PRfc-EmGRc85EYJrHcCi6Dk~~UaTjvmo1yclmI3im3Ho6RJ9HBn5eHJTmFwR08vZw2VSvpMN0mzdWAf-TFX1w8W5MXtdeiDT8Cl0BA8pPx4iYaOR8HagSPlBvlMqYCkdg-i15KhQxzl38mPrBIAR7L0TT3MaM8rhBjFscPcBxrltjGezbETzXaeaY0HOSHDz~IgnOG2qy-5DtnJeSO9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Iowa County Board of Supervisors awarded a paving contract for a county PCC (portland cement concrete) project covering 563.5 square yards to Denco on Aug. 29.

Bids opened at the meeting showed Iowa Civil at $212.23 per square yard, Denco at $169.50 per square yard, and Cedar Falls Construction at $178.00 per square yard. A motion to accept the Denco bid at $169.50 per square yard passed without recorded objection.

County staff said one invited bidder, West Contractors, could not fit the project into their schedule. The board approved the award and directed staff to proceed with contract paperwork.

Ending: Staff will finalize contract documents and schedule work with Denco; the county will monitor project scheduling and notify affected residents as required.","The Board of Supervisors awarded a PCC paving contract for 563.5 square yards to Denco at $169.50 per square yard after reviewing three bids; other bids included Iowa Civil ($212.23) and Cedar Falls Construction ($178.00).",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479344,"Iowa County approves drainage-district levy resolution to fund future bank-stabilization work",2731,3023000,5754000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc&start=3023&end=5754","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701413-3f05a875b390ce65cb9bcd652c120ffc/thumbnail_3023000.jpg","/articles/6479344/Iowa-County/Iowa/Iowa-County-approves-drainage-district-levy-resolution-to-fund-future-bank-stabilization-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479344-17c5ce4966fadac01edf1c5b5b34b414/orig.mp4?Expires=1770490657&Signature=ZmgYc0a-X-UHIEwFnj0ifvZpn5AewxmVWqNFUgwCQSs4wadnpqLkt92Cl3BHBoLhLnOhfMNspbjEDSI1lxmNGbq4PxmxEYEVrq3X9s~~N~YNW4mTSgkl1I9CIgF2lmaSM6jSVw6gpag7-FqTs9RnBwkHbE6ISqdbSgi2uRE8bjIzeMRuDSoL846oC80Cyb0Qu4pwTQAMJO3pZZhcLscRTfh5Vm0mJGkWIM-7TtHSs2D5u3vmQ9T6Ev8MBaoA4ZhNSfwhbdmOpAWCjD6Q03uApah1VwIge-dM319sQFp6yvWoimyCTRdLIdE1X6E0A6gVj7OEMEE0arZJm0ZZ-zifzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Iowa County Board of Supervisors voted to approve Resolution 2025-08-29 on Aug. 29, authorizing a drainage-district levy intended to accumulate funds for future river-bank stabilization and related drainage work.

Presenters told the board the levy rate under consideration is about $22.20 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, which was estimated to raise roughly $225,000 per year and about $1.125 million over five years. County staff said earlier engineering estimates for the prioritized bank-stabilization work range from $850,000 to $1.1 million.

A county staff presenter explained the plan: raise and segregate funds in a named drainage-district account so money is available if river movement or bank failure requires rapid response. The presenter said the county will ask the treasurer to place funds into a separate account earmarked for the drainage district so the money is committed to the project even if board membership changes in future years.

Engineering and funding context: staff said their usual engineer had flagged the project as requiring specialized scribe modeling and that the county had been speaking with HR Green and other firms about engineering support. Staff said they had also asked the assessor’s office for taxable valuation figures used to calculate the levy projections.

Board members noted the project is not an immediate emergency but emphasized the need to plan years ahead because river movement can accelerate bank loss. One staffer described pictures showing gradual erosion and said because of river dynamics, the county may need to act quickly in future years.

After discussion, a supervisor moved and the board approved Resolution 2025-08-29. The county clerk and county staff will proceed with the drainage-district filing and with follow-up items needed to effect the levy and segregate funds for the project.

Ending: Staff said they will return with more detailed maintenance and funding information next year and will manage the drainage-district account separately to preserve funds for future bank-stabilization work.","The Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 2025-08-29 to create a drainage-district levy intended to raise roughly $225,000 per year (approximately $22.20 per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for five years to fund future bank stabilization and related work; presenters said full project costs could reach $850,000–$1.1 million.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Iowa County conservation staff seek $247,000 Gateway Park boat-ramp, parking upgrades; board asks for financing plan

Iowa County secondary-roads director reports bridge reopenings, equipment purchases and staffing challenges

Iowa County awards PCC paving contract to Denco at $169.50 per square yard

Iowa County approves drainage-district levy resolution to fund future bank-stabilization work