By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The notorious 'log jam' along the Smoky Hill River near Bill Burke and Indian Rock Park is looking to be cleaned up after Salina City Commissioners approved a quote price from a construction company.
On Monday, Commissioners and Utilities Director Martha Tasker discussed matters going forward regarding the current 'log jam' along the Smoky Hill River near Bill Burke and Indian Rock Parks. Tasker presented four quotes that were bidded by four construction companies, with one of those being DIEHL Enterprises Inc. from Salina.
DIEHL Enterprises proposed a quote totaling $411,231 with a (10%) construction contingency, for a total project authorization not to exceed $452,351. The log jam removal that DIEHL proposed would be a 6-week log removal process.
City Commissioners approved the bid from DIEHL Enterprises Inc.
The City sent the required documents to the United States Army Corp of Engineers and the Department of Agriculture Division of Water Rights for approval. Approval is anticipated prior to the notice to Proceeds for the log jam removal.
Tasker stated she has minded ways to prevent this from affecting the river again during the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project process.
DIEHL Enterprises said 'they want it to be a safe operation' as far as removing the log jam at a 'reasonable time.'
The City is also hoping for some additional funding, especially after the flooding events from last week.
Tasker stated that she hopes by mid-August to remove the log jam.