The Mitchell City Council discussed the Lake Mitchell Project at a budget work session on Monday night prior to the regular council meeting. Dangerous algae levels have forced the closure of the lake for parts of the past several summers. The city hopes to tackle the problem by dredging the lake and improving the watershed. Public Works Director Joe Schroeder updated the council on the project.
“We’re currently in Phase Two of the dredge design,” Schroeder said. “Phase Two brings us to the end of the drawdown design as well as a path forward for our dredging project. Our time frame is still moving forward as planned.”
The drawdown would cost $3.5 million and would be funded through an SRF, or State Revolving Fund, loan. Barr Engineering is currently working on the dredging design, which is expected to be completed in March. At that time, a public hearing will be held. Along with the drawdown, there has been an emphasis on improving the wetland along Firesteel Creek.
The entire project is expected to cost between $15 and 20 million.