Resolution to Amend the Land Resources and Environment 2024 Budget for the Hemlock Dam Replacement Project

BACKGROUND: The Hemlock Dam creates Hemlock Slough, located at Hemlock County Park, in the Town of LaValle, Sauk County.  The dam was constructed in 1964 for recreational purposes.  In 2018, the dam sustained damages during a flooding event.  Subsequently, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) gave the Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department (LRE) an Administrative Order to Repair or Abandon Hemlock Dam.

In 2019, the decision was made by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors to repair Hemlock Dam.  Ayres Associates was contracted to design and engineer the replacement dam.  As part of the LRE Budget, ARPA funds were made available and included in the LRE Budget for Hemlock Dam in the amount of $158,004. 

On March 21, 2023, the County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 23-2023 to award a contract for the construction of the replacement dam to Janke General Contractor’s Inc.as well as to amend the LRE Budget to include an additional $75,000 of ARPA funding to cover the costs of the contract.

Due to issues and additional costs related to the relocation of the fiber line and change orders, the estimated final cost for the reconstruction of Hemlock Dam will exceed the 2024 Budgeted amount.  Additional ARPA funds in the amount of $75,000 are being requested to cover all of the remaining costs that may be associated with the dam replacement project.