Plans for a large campground at Green Castle Recreation Area in Iowa‘s Marshall County will take a while to be concretized after the county’s conservation committee delayed the decision to accept the construction bid on Monday night.
Con-Struct of Marshalltown submitted its sole bid for the project that would build 14 campsites in the initial part of a bigger plan to eventually construct 60 campsites at the total price of $1,012,157.50, a report said.
Matt Garber of Clapsaddle-Garber Associates broke down the bid, pointing out that the cost was more than anticipated in all areas of the project and saying it was “shocking” from his perspective. Garber said he didn’t believe that prices would fall anytime soon due to ongoing supply chain issues and the rising fuel cost.
According to Conservation Director Mike Stegmann, a camping area in Green Castle has been on the radar of the county for almost a decade. However, sufficient funding could not be secured until American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are made available. In December, Marshall County Board of Supervisors allowed Stegmann to proceed with the plan at the approximate cost of $678,000.
Stegmann explained that the ARPA funds would give the board time to look over the project and alter the bid package if necessary and the Con-Struct bid will be valid for 60 days. A motion to table action was approved and Garber informed the board that he would work with Con-Struct to figure out additional savings in costs prior to an April board meeting.
This story originally appeared on Times Republican.
Isn’t it remarkable how unforeseen challenges can refine our vision for the Green Castle Recreation Area campground? Let’s ensure the construction bid aligns with our commitment to creating a welcoming and sustainable outdoor space. Your thoughts on this?
It’s a bummer the Green Castle campground bid was over budget, causing a delay. Let’s hope the board can tweak it for approval soon to make this dream campground a reality for us all.