Bronson dam project bid accepted, state gives the intent to award

By Anna Jauhola
Pending a final contract, the state of Minnesota has given an intent to award Ames Construction, of Burnsville, Minn., the dam reconstruction project at Lake Bronson State Park.
Ames Construction gave the low bid of $28,492,398.28 and received a score of 500 out of 500 points for the price proposal. Ames also scored higher on the general proposal, explaining the company’s experience, previous projects, qualifications and so on.
“It’s similar to a job application,” said Jason Boyle, state dam safety engineer.
The original engineer’s estimate included in the bid documents was $25,665,478. Because the low bid is higher than that estimate, the state will pay for those additional costs with a combination of redirecting unspent bonding funds, available contingency funds and other avenues.
“In situations where bids are over our engineer’s estimate, we review the specifics of the project to identify any potential modifications to reduce costs,” Boyle said. “In the case of the Lake Bronson Dam, the bid is over the engineer’s estimate. We have completed the analysis described above and intend to move forward with this project, given its importance to public safety, outdoor recreation and area communities.”
The state’s next step is to officially award the contract to Ames Construction and give them the notice to proceed with the project. It is expected the contract with Ames Construction will be in place by early September. Before the company can get started, the contracter must submit several plans such as water control, shop drawings, pollution prevention and an updated schedule.
“It’s then really up to Ames, as we get closer to winter, whether they’re going to want to start at that point,” Boyle said. “We’ll have to wait until we see their submittals and updated schedule.”
The state has so far encumbered the $20 million in 2020 bonding from the Legislature, as well as additional funds received in the last few years. Boyle said any additional funding needed must also be encumbered when the contract is completed.
Early last week, Lake Bronson State Park staff announced camping reservations for Lakeside and Extension campgrounds are now open through Labor Day.
Boyle said it’s unclear when the lake will be drawn down, and that will depend on their water control plan. Boyle said it will not be during the summer months for sure, but could start as early as this fall.