Dresbach sewer project continues debate on location.
Residents of Dresbach are divided on plans to build a sewer system for some areas of the town, plans which first came before the board in 2014 and were discussed prior to that.
Over the past several years, a number of properties have been listed as not being in compliance, and some have been deemed an imminent health hazard.
Detractors complain about the costs despite the creation of a subordinate service district intended to pay for it through those who use it, and the environmental affects it could have on other neighbors through smell and potential water pollution.
Supporters within the town have already been working with engineering firms to draw up plans, and have received a grant of more than $500,000, with $300,000 in expenses they’ve already incurred plus $200,000 to bring them to final design and bidding.
Unfortunately, the group has not been able to find a home for the sewer project.
The request was that the county take control of maintenance of the highway if they buy that part, which MnDOT was including as a condition of the sale.
Dave Kramer, county engineer, said the approximately four-tenths of a mile of road would be made into a county state aid highway if it was given to the county, which would defray the cost, and be similar to other county managed roads connecting county roads and freeways.
As part of a working session following Tuesday’s County Board meeting, commissioners told Dresbach residents they didn’t think it was appropriate to discuss the county taking over the road until plans were more concrete.
Commissioner Steve Jacob said it should go to the Road and Bridge Committee, but it was even premature for that if staff time and county money would be used on something that Dresbach may not even do.