Watershed officials to reapply for bonding funds next year

Final phase of project could be delayed depending on outcome of bonding bill next year

The Shell Rock River Watershed District administrator said Wednesday the district will reapply for state bonding funds next year to complete the Fountain Lake dredging after the project was not included in this year’s bill.   

Administrator Andy Henschel said the second phase of the dredging project is expected to be completed in 2021, and if a bonding bill is not passed next year — or the project is not included in the bill — the third and final phase of the project could be delayed until the funding is received. 

“We’re very disappointed that we didn’t get in the bonding bill,” Henschel said. “We thought of the three projects, this would be a priority for the community.”