Committee defers Lake Superior dredging, approves $12,000 for forestry truck and trailer

The Ashland County Finance Committee voted to defer funding for proposed dredging at Second Landing and instead approved a smaller forestry equipment package totaling about $12,000.

Committee members described dredging as expensive and potentially temporary, noting wind and Lake Superior water-level cycles could quickly re-deposit material. One member cautioned that "one storm and all the sand comes right back in," urging the county to ask prospective contractors whether dredging would be durable and what realistic costs and expected longevity of results would be. Forestry staff said a permit is in hand (permit good through 2027) but bids have been difficult to obtain.

A motion by Ben to remove the $50,000 dredging line and fund forestry's $12,000 truck and trailer request was seconded and carried. Members discussed alternate funding options if a contractor is found later — e.g., using contingency or interest earnings from certain funds — and asked forestry to keep searching for contractors and to coordinate with the city on all public access points.

The committee did not approve any dredging contract and requested additional contractor cost information and city coordination before reconsidering.