The Village of Ephraim's Board of Trustees met Tuesday, discussing the proposed shorefront protection work. Ken Nelson updated the group on the most recent specs from AECOM. A final version is expected within weeks. As the vision takes shape, several changes have been made to the initial concept, bringing rising costs.
Nelson spent a significant amount of his presentation on new asphalt walking paths along the water, connecting to the highway and landmarks like Monument Park. The sidewalk will have cutouts for picnic tables and benches. The southern region is undeveloped, so Physical Facilities has been tasked with finding a use for the property. Nelson says that, at minimum, soil will be brought in to replace the erosion that has occurred there, and sod will be laid down.
As the scope of the project increases, so does the cost. Original estimates were around $300,000. Estimates are now over double that at $740,000 with a contingency included. Administrator Brent Bristol says that figure should help the village avoid any surprises when the final amount is determined.
The board hopes to vote on a final proposal at the December meeting with work put out for bid so that contractors will be lined up to begin work at first chance next spring.
