Council hears Pond Creek drainage update; staff cites $75,000 grant and design-permit needs

Murphysboro staff updated the council on the Pond Creek drainage project and said the city has finalized hydraulic costs with consultant HLR, secured a $75,000 design grant from the Delta Regional Authority, and will require permits from the Division of Natural Resources and the Office of Water Resources.

Why it matters: The project calls for two large box culverts that constitute bridge structures, which triggers additional permitting and IDOT involvement and could increase design complexity and cost; securing design completion is a precondition for pursuing larger construction grants.

Staff said they do not need soil borings for the Union Pacific right of way, which reduces near‑term design costs, and estimated the design work could be on the order of $130,000 (staff phrased this as "around 130 for design maybe"). Officials said they aim to present an agreement at the next meeting and will use the $75,000 Delta Regional Authority award toward design expenses so the project is ready when grant cycles open.

Next steps: Staff plans to deliver a design agreement for council consideration at the next meeting, pursue the necessary state permits and coordinate easement language to access construction staging from adjacent private property.