Paddlewheel fix breaks anticipated budget

The iconic paddlewheel at Town Square in downtown Grand Forks will likely remain in dry dock for at least another year.

Bids on a permanent fix to the water feature came in well over engineer estimates prompting the city council to reject the work. The city was hoping to replace the leaky concrete ponds and piping at a cost of around $500,000 dollars. The lone bid came in closer to $1.1 million.

Community Development Director Meredith Richards says around $375,000 dollars in EDA funds had been set aside to help pay for the construction.  Staff will work with the DDA to see if there is a better use of the money.

As for the paddlewheel the goal this summer is to add flowers to the fountain basins and look into decorative lighting for the structure itself.