Norman County Holding Public Informational Meetings for Proposed New Highway Department Building
Ada, MN — The Norman County Board of Commissions will be hosting a series of public informational meetings, including one today at the Ada Event Center, in regards to their proposal to build a new $8.2 million Highway Department building. This project has been in the planning stages for the last couple years. Norman County Highway Engineer Keith Berndt says the current building is too small for their current needs and has deteriorated beyond repair.
The total cost of the project, including demolition, contingency funds, and engineering fees, is estimated at $$9.6 million. While it may seem expensive, Berndt says they’ve put together a plan to potentially pay for it without it impacting local tax payers.
If Local Government Aid were to be cut, which has happened periodically in the State of Minnesota, the county tax increase would still only be about 2.7% increase on both residential and crop land.
The new highway department would be about 39,000 square feet, be constructed with precast insulated panels, and have vehicle storage space, 2 mechanical bays, a wash bay, and office space. Berndt notes that they did downsize their original plans by about 10,000 square feet.
The Public Informational Meetings will offer a presentation and give residents a chance to ask questions and provide feedback on the project. The first will be held tonight, (Tuesday, November 9th) at 5:30pm at the Ada Events Center, followed by Monday, November 15th at 5:30pm at the Twin Valley Community Center, and Wednesday, November 17th at 5:30pm at the Hendrum Fire Hall. You can also learn more and view the presentation online at www.co.norman.mn.us.