NCMRWC Approves Roy Blunt Reservoir Construction Timeline, Project Funding

MILAN, Mo. — The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission approved several resolutions advancing construction of the Roy Blunt Reservoir project during its May 11 meeting, including restarting the bid process for construction of the dam and spillway and approving additional work related to mitigation projects and lakebed clearing.

Representatives from Green City attending the meeting were Roberta Santee and Ernie Conner. Sullivan County Public Water Supply District No. 1 was represented by Chairman Harve Rhodes, Bobby Williams and Bill Reckrodt. Milan representatives included Jeremy Bennett, Crystal Bupp and Mayor Andy Herington, while Green Castle was represented by Jeanna Johnson and Greg Dobrinske. Also attending were General Manager Brad Scott, Office Manager Ellen Hodge, Operations Manager Lawrence Allen, consultant Chad Sayre of Allstate Consultants, Ray VanDusseldorp, and Swayde Richardson and Brenna Jeffries of Legacy Grading LLC. Marjorie DeGreef of Green City was absent.

Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution No. 11-2026 authorizing a timeline to restart the bid process for construction of the dam and spillway in order to remain in compliance with Rural Development requirements. General Manager Brad Scott told commissioners bids for the general contractor would resume following a November stoppage by Rural Development. He said 17 contractors have been pre-qualified and three specialty portions of the project will be subcontracted, with the “lowest responsible bid” to be selected.

The commission also approved Resolution No. 10-2026 authorizing Matt’s Healthy Woods and Wildlife to evaluate marketable timber within the lake basin as part of the lakebed clearing plan. The evaluation will focus on marketable trees located within the conservation easement.

Commissioners approved Resolution No. 12- 2026 authorizing mitigation projects M01, M10 and M11 for wetland creation and crop tree release at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge and authorized staff to seek bids. Plans are available for public review at the commission office.

Resolution No. 13-2026 was also approved, authorizing a third amendment to the contract for purchase and construction reimbursement for Emergency Wetland Reserve Program replacement property. Officials said the amendment satisfies Natural Resources Conservation Service requirements involving property north of Brookfield, with the work to be completed by the private landowner.

Operations Manager Lawrence Allen reported Elmwood Lake had dropped 32 inches, with water currently being pumped from Locust Creek. He said the golf course lake was down approximately four feet and is also being supplemented by pumping from the smaller reservoir. Allen also reported Milan’s small water tower had returned to service, repairs to the Trenton transmission line were scheduled to begin May 18, and he would contact the Missouri Department of Conservation regarding treatment of lily pads at Elmwood Lake.

Scott also reported Linn County Public Water Supply District No. 1 must determine how it intends to address the Purdin water situation, which could become an expansion opportunity for Sullivan County Public Water Supply District No. 1. He said the proposal could involve two water connections and one well and would be discussed with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Commissioners approved Change Order No. 3 totaling $64,019.59 and Pay Request No. 16 for $139,416.25 for Project 1B by R & L Boone Construction. They also approved Change Order No. 38 for $6,062.01 and Pay Request No. 38 totaling $24,051.82 for Better By Design LLC’s Mid Lake Construction Access project, which officials reported remains under budget. A fourth pay request totaling $66,814.14 for Better By Design’s lakebed clearing project south of Route N was also approved.

Following closed session, the commission held its annual election of officers. Harve Rhodes was re-elected chairman, Jeremy Bennett was elected vice chairman, Jeanna Johnson was elected secretary and Roberta Santee was elected treasurer. Commissioners also voted to retain the current bank account signatories and executive committee.