FD Board awards contract for riverfront work | News, Sports, Work

People who enjoy getting close to the waters of the Des Moines River at a number of marinas in Fort Dodge will have more opportunities to do so next year.

As a result of the city council’s decision on Monday, two more berths will be added upstream.

The council hired Doyle Construction of Fort Dodge to build the new docks at a cost of $1,371,118. The works are planned to be completed next fall.

Chad Schaeffer, the city’s chief development officer, said the docks will “straight through the back door” Matt Cosgrove River Edge Research Center.

All of them will be on the east bank of the river. Schaeffer said a trail would connect them.

A series of six wharves had previously been built downstream on both sides of the river where what was once known as the Little Dam once stood.

Other bidders for the job were Rasch Construction ($1,582,515) and Castor Construction ($1,694,801.25). Both of these companies are from Fort Dodge.

The newest set of docks and the River’s Edge Research Center are part of an ongoing effort to reconnect the community with the river. The open space around the Discovery Center will be redeveloped to include a play area and a large pavilion.

Also Monday, the board hired Fort Dodge-based Grell Roofing to replace the roof on the mausoleum building at North Lawn Cemetery. The companies will pay $54,000.

Funds from the fund for the eternal care of the cemetery will pay for the works.

Earlier this year, the city acquired ownership of the North Lawn Cemetery.