The Shell Rock River Watershed District Board of Managers on Tuesday approved a nearly $518,000 contract to build a pump station on Upper Twin Lake this winter.

The goal of the project is to manage rough fish in that lake and achieve better water quality in Upper and Lower Twin lakes.

The contract, with Minger Construction, is expected to be funded by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund.

“There is a controlled structure on Lower Twin right now that allows us to draw the lakes down,” said Administrator Andy Henschel. “However, the water quality on Lower Twin stays much better for a much longer period of time, where Upper Twin does not, so this will give us the ability to manage Upper Twin separately from Lower Twin.”

Henschel said the only way the district can achieve water quality and clarity is by managing the rough fish population in Upper Twin Lake.

The pump station is expected to feature a 96-inch sump that includes a 16-inch, 34-horsepower pump. An inlet will be expected to bring water to the pump, which will then take the water and pump it downstream.

“We received some good bids on that and are hoping for a great project,” he said.

The Watershed District received three other bids for the project:

A $523,300 bid from Lametti & Sons Inc.

A $569,956 bid from Crow River Construction

An $859,312 bid from PCI Roads.

This was the second time the Board of Managers sought bids for the project. No company bid on the project in September.

Manager Al Bakken noted the winning bid was lower than the engineer’s estimate of $645,000.

“That’s what I like about the project is we’re saving money,” he said, adding the plan appears to have long-term benefits to Upper and Lower Twin lakes.

Upper Twin Lake is 677 acres and has a maximum depth of 2 1/2 feet. Water from Upper Twin Lake travels south to Lower Twin Lake and enters Goose Creek in the city of Twin Lakes. It then flows east until it drains into the Shell Rock River near the Iowa border.

In other action, the board:

Was informed that Fountain Lake restoration work has been completed this year and will kick up again in spring 2019. Henschel said though J.F. Brennan, the dredging and marine construction company awarded the dredging contract for phase one, did not complete as much as they wanted to this year, the project timeline remains the same.

Approved a $263,320 contract with Respect Consulting to develop a water quality trading program. The pilot program could help the city get credit for pollution reduction outside of direct city management.

Designated managers Brad Kramer and Mick Delger to attend the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts annual banquet later this month.

Designated Manager Mike Hanson to be on the One Watershed One Plan Policy Committee. The goal of the initiative is to align local water planning on watershed boundaries with state strategies toward privatized and measurable implementation plans.