VFW Arena in EGF battling drainage issues

Drainage issues at the VFW Arena have East Grand Forks leaders searching for both long and short term solutions.

Frost has heaved the concrete leading to the doors creating a negative drain slope and ponding of water that flows into the arena.

The fix could include a demo of existing concrete to install a catch basin…adding new curb and gutter…plus a sidewalk connecting the VFW and Blue Line Arena with the front parking lot. A rough guess puts the work at over $77,000 dollars.

If the city is successful in levying a sales tax and fundraising for arena improvements it may negate any temporary repairs. Parks Superintendent Reid Huttunen says unfortunately the problem is here today and not four years down the road.  Huttunen says if the city was able to fundraise to an $8 million dollar goal all the work currently being considered would get torn out and that’s “absolutely a concern.”

A possible funding source is the city’s share of ARPA dollars.  Staff will continue to research the cost prior to next week’s council meeting.

Picture:  EGF staff report

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