Milford, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors is proceeding with a plan to replace a berm and culvert system at the Lower Gar Lake Outlet into the Little Sioux River with a bridge. They are scheduled to open bids on the project August 12th.

Supervisors believe the system will increase flow during high water and eliminate some flood damage to lakeshore properties like that that occurred last summer.

The outlet is in within Milford city limits, allowing that community some say in what is constructed. The council voted Monday night to allow the bridge to proceed, but it was not unanimous. Councilmen Shane Hoffman, Doug Frederick, and Kyle Mohni voted yes; but councilmen Chris Hinshaw and David Worshek voted no.

Worshek said he’s not against replacing the culverts with a bridge but IS concerned that the culverts will be removed first, making a portion of Milford susceptible to flooding if the water rise before the project is completed.

Mayor Steve Anderson – who as Mayor is not allowed to vote on city issues – said he is also concerned about getting the bridge installed in a timely matter, and said he hopes the supervisors do NOT consider any change orders that would extend the construction period once the project is let.

In advertising for bids, Dickinson County specifies the culverts must be removed by September 15th with construction on the bridge commencing by April 1st at the latest.