Board of Supervisors approve ARPA funding for South Shore Park dump station

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Conservation will begin to move forward on once again providing a dump station at South Shore in Oakland Mills Park after the Henry County Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing Henry County Conservation to use $231,470 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the project.

The approval of this funding comes at a time when the conservation department is working to address several ongoing issues with the current dump station which was closed over a year ago due to major sanitation system issues. According to Henry County Conservation Executive Director Caleb Waters this closure has led to frustrations among campers, especially during peak seasons, and ultimately a loss in revenue for the conservation department.

Waters explained that the project will involve the installation of new septic tanks and other infrastructure improvements designed to once again provide dump station amenities for campers and visitors. He presented the project’s cost breakdown to the board, detailing plans for installing eight 2,500-gallon septic tanks, widening driveways, and running electrical for alarm systems, afloat systems, and a security light.

Waters also provided insight into some of the challenges faced during the planning process. “There were unexpected costs, such as the need to move a utility pole to widen the driveway and additional engineering expenses,” he explained. “However, we’ve built in a contingency to account for any surprises that may arise during construction.”

“We’ve been working with local contractors and engineers to come up with the best solution,” Waters said. “The new dump station will help improve the experience for campers, ensuring we can meet their needs with a more reliable system.”

To make this project happen Waters told the board he would need to acquire ARPA funds as the conservation department does not have the money available for such a large project. Thankfully, the board approved the use of $231,470, the majority of remaining ARPA funds in the county, for the project during the Nov. 21 Board of Supervisors meeting.

The approval of the MOU sets the stage for the project to move forward, with the goal of completing the project as soon as possible in order to not lose any further revenue. Waters expressed gratitude for the board’s support, noting that this renovation will improve the overall experience for campers and will help meet the growing demand for these amenities at South Shore Park.

As the South Shore Park dump station project moves into the next phase, Henry County Conservation continues to focus on maintaining and improving the county's natural spaces, ensuring they remain a cherished resource for the community and visitors alike.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com