DNR seeks the return of grant funding

     In late March, Nate Hoogeveen, director river programs with the Iowa DNR (Department of Natural Resources), sent a letter to the Jones County Conservation Board (JCCB), regarding two grants Conservation received for the Mon Maq Dam project.

     The letter stated that the DNR would not be extending the Low-Head Dam Public Hazard Grants, which totaled $505,026, or $286,200 and $218,826 separately for both grants.

     The DNR previously sent a letter to the JCCB on Jan. 21, asking for an update and a refined timeline on the dam project, specifically design engineering, cost estimates, and a funding plan. This would assure the project could be completed on time or within a reasonable timeframe.

     The JCCB provided the DNR with the necessary information, but Hoogeveen noted in his most recent letter that the funding plan “contained some speculative funding sources.” Hoogeveen said he also has concerns that the Environmental Assessment (EA) could take longer than expected, further affecting the timeline of the dam project.

     So, the DNR was asking that the JCCB return the grant money. Those funds were being kept in a reserve/restricted fund.

     Brad Mormann, Conservation director, explained that the DNR extended the grants twice for the Mon Maq Dam Project, both extensions for two years each. Mormann acknowledged that the EA might take longer than initially anticipated to complete, leaving some uncertainty with the funding plan.

     “The DNR and U.S. Fish & Wildlife have been a apart of this project the entire time,” noted Mormann of their involvement. “They know what’s occurring.”

     He said the JCCB has some decisions to make at its next meeting, which will likely be done electronically.

     The Friends of Mon-Maq Dam group has been active with the hope of saving the historic dam from destruction or removal. Tom Osborne, president of the group, said the departure of the DNR funding is a win.

     “It brings us one step closer to saving our dam,” he said.

     In November, Osborne said numerous people sent letters, e-mails, and postcards to the DNR asking that the grants no longer be extended. With the DNR out, and previously the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Osborne said perhaps both organizations don’t feel the dam project is a good fit for their funding.

     “Just as we feel dam removal is not a good fit for our community,” he added.

     If the Friends group is successful in saving the dam, Osborne said they plan to “ assist state and county agencies in providing perpetual maintenance and development of the dam and associated properties.”

     “It will be interesting to see what happens next,” said Osborne. “Will it be left alone? Will it be maintained? Can it be better utilized, or will there be another attempt to remove it?”