In an effort to provide flood protection and to improve overall drainage through the watershed, the City has identified a ditch project known as the 656W Wetland Outlet Project.  This project (as illustrated on the enclosed aerial photograph) would create an outlet for wetland 656W, the large wetland complex south of Alpine Drive and east of Ramsey Blvd., through the construction of approximately 3000 feet of drainage ditch and/or culvert installation.

 

The need for this project was identified in the early to mid 1990’s, and a drainage easement plat was prepared in 1995 to facilitate the acquisition of the necessary easements.  Most of the easements were acquired at that time, but the project was not advanced because the drainage from this ditch was to flow into County Ditch #3/66, which was seriously clogged.  The City restored County Ditch #3/66 to its original cross section in 2006 and it is now feasible to pursue the 656W outlet project.

 

While the original intent of this project was to create a dedicated drainage way from the wetland complex to the Rum River, a secondary improvement was identified to diminish the concern for localized flooding in the area north of 156th Avenue in an effort to direct runoff into wetland 656W.  All required easements to complete the original scope of the project have now been acquired, as approved by Council on October 26, 2010.  This project is being undertaken in the winter due to the nature of the work being performed to take advantage of frozen soil conditions for improved access, erosion control, and minimal disruption to the environment.

 

Field work for the project has been completed, and meetings have been held with contractors that are going to prepare proposals for implementation.  Formal proposals will be received on Friday, February 4th and forwarded for Council via e-mail for consideration.