WILLMAR -- The first step in designing the new Willmar industrial park at the old airport could be taken soon.
The Willmar City Council's Public Works/Safety Committee voted to recommend an Alexandria engineering firm be selected to prepare preliminary layouts for roads and parcels in the new industrial park.
The industrial park will become available after the old airport closes and the new airport, located west of the city, opens next year.
The recommendation to hire Widseth, Smith and Nolting and Associates will be considered by the council on Monday. The layouts would be completed and sent to the city by Dec. 12. The proposed cost is $4,750.
City Administrator Michael Schmit told the committee Tuesday evening that the Widseth firm was proposed by city staff because the company had handled a similar project at the former Alexandria airport.
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After the City Council selects a layout, the city would request proposals from consultants to prepare a detailed layout, he said.
"This is an important first step before we make an investment to get into the formal design,'' said Schmit.
Mel Odens, public works director, said the preliminary design work is part of the airport relocation project. He asked assistant engineer Brian Bollig and airport manager Steve Wright to look at issues and constraints facing the design of the 640-acre industrial park.
Among the issues to be considered will be the new Municipal Utilities 69,000-volt power line, the proposed County Road 5 construction from U.S. Highway 12 to state Highway 40, and possible realignment of Highway 40 to provide room for a possible expansion at Jennie-O Turkey Store, according to Bollig.
Other considerations are locations for roads, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water lines, and areas to hold storm water. He said 65 percent to 80 percent of the park will be covered with impervious surface.
In other business, the committee:
- Approved a $250,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Office of Aeronautics to pay for moving reusable hangars from the present airport to the new airport and to buy and demolish hangars at the old airport that are not in reusable condition. Total cost is $498,000. The city's share is $249,000.
