LaFave Park costs exceed estimates

With project bids on the LaFave Park project coming in well over engineer estimates – East Grand Forks may seek additional grant funding.

The city received two bids for the work that includes a new boat ramp…improved roads…and parking lots. The low bid was 50% higher than the anticipated price-tag. City Engineer Steve Emery says given the results it might be wise to rebid the package later this year.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trail Commission agreed to chip in $871,000 dollars towards the project. Park and Rec Superintendent Reid Huttunen says there may be an opportunity to seek additional funding.  “There is more money available this coming grant cycle that there has ever been…$16.5 million dollars roughly.”  Huttunen says there is interest at the commission level to make sure projects already approved can still find funding to make them happen.

The deadline to apply for the money is July 31st.