The Mitchell City Council last night approved a request to apply for Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant money. The funds would be used to install a jetty and boat dock system at Lake Mitchell. The total cost of the project is unknown pending completion of a dredging design. The city will seek grant funds of $482,200 for the jetty and boat docks. The current project is at $1,420,000 with potential savings of $400,000 if the lake is drawn down during a dredging project. The state will be asked to match another $482,200 for a total match of 34% for the project. The cash match would be $537,800 for a dry lake bottom installation and $937,200 if the jetty is installed in the full lake. Additional savings may still come from the National Guard.
Monday’s action by the city council was only an authorization to apply and not an acceptance of funds or a requirement to follow through with the project.
Mitchell Parks and Rec Director Nathan Powell said the goal is to finish the project at minimal cost to the city. He added that this is a good year to apply for grant funds due to extra federal dollars being available as a result of COVID-19 relief efforts.