BURLINGTON — City officials have started the process of securing engineering design and construction management services for the $9 million overhaul of Echo Lake.
A mandatory pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 29 at Echo Park Pavilion, 589 Milwaukee Ave. Proposals are due Dec. 8.
Peter Riggs, the city’s public works director, said “the selected firm must have experience and demonstrated success with similar projects.”
The Burlington City Council is scheduled in February to select a firm, which must submit a plan for DNR approval by June 1.
People are also reading…
Another round of bidding is planned in late 2024, with contracts awarded in January 2025 for construction.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources notified city officials in 2015 that the manmade dam at Echo Lake was no longer adequate to meet state flood-control standards and gave the city 10 years to bring the dam and lake into compliance.
The city had to choose between rebuilding the dam, or removing the dam and allowing the 70-acre Echo Lake impoundment to drain into the White River, which flows through the site.
The Burlington Park Board called for removing the dam and creating a new riverfront attraction. But in November 2022 public referendum, voters favored a scenario in which the dam would be rebuilt and the lake preserved.
Engineers estimated saving the lake would cost about $5 million, while removing the dam and draining the lake could be achieved for about $1.5 million.
With optional amenities included to improve the site as a public recreation resource, the price tag has grown to $9.1 million. The city has included $10 million for the project in a long-term capital improvement plan.
The state has approved a $1 million grant to help Burlington pay for the project.
City officials estimate saving Echo Lake could cost property owners an average of $2,800 each in higher taxes. Removing the lake would have cost $409 on average.
10 states where river flooding will cost US homeowners the most
10 states where river flooding will cost US homeowners the most
States Where Riverine Flooding Costs Homeowners the Most
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.