Salina, KS — The City of Salina is considering a proposal to increase its agreement with DIEHL Enterprises, Inc. for debris and sediment removal along the Smoky Hill River at Bill Burke Park, raising the total project cost to $1,212,169.75, according to a report from Martha Tasker, Director of Utilities.
The work, which began earlier this year, involves clearing logjams and compacted debris that have built up near the city’s surface water intake structure following multiple heavy rain events between June and September 2025.
Background: Four Flood Events in Three Months
The Smoky Hill River saw four major high-flow events this summer, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):
- June 19, 2025: 3,340 cubic feet per second (cfs)
- July 23, 2025: 4,450 cfs
- July 26, 2025: 4,340 cfs
- September 10, 2025: 3,640 cfs
Each event washed down trees and debris from upstream, forming large logjams near Bill Burke Park. These blockages threatened to obstruct the city’s water intake and affect flow along the river channel.
FEMA Disaster Relief and Cost Recovery
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management reported that the June event did not qualify for disaster relief. However, the July storms have received federal disaster approval, and the September storm remains under Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) review, with approval likely.
The PDA estimates total damages of $714,330.17, broken down as follows:
- July events: $325,925.93
- September event: $388,404.24
Under the federal cost-share formula, FEMA will reimburse 75 percent, the State of Kansas will contribute 10 percent, and the City of Salina will cover 15 percent of approved project costs.
If FEMA confirms eligibility, the City could receive more than $600,000 in federal and state assistance.
Original Contract and Cost Escalations
The City Commission originally approved a $411,231 contract with DIEHL Enterprises in early 2025, with a 10% contingency allowance of $41,120, bringing the total to $452,351.
Following additional storms, DIEHL was required to rebuild an equipment rock pad that had washed out and construct a temporary log access road to reach compacted debris that could not be floated downstream.
- Rebuilding equipment pad: $35,086.13
- Constructing access road: $49,446.22
- Subtotal: $495,763.55
- Overage beyond original authorization: $43,412.55
Extent of Debris and Engineering Details
The June event alone created approximately 350 feet of logjam, while the subsequent July and September floods added another 550 feet of compacted debris.
To access and remove the materials safely, DIEHL constructed a temporary log-and-rock road along the riverbank. Engineers determined the cost of removal at $1,377.32 per linear foot, including equipment and material costs:
- Base rate: $859.03
- Added base cost: $403.74
- Extra equipment: $114.55
The preferred method includes a rock cap, which helps stabilize the log base during high flows and prevents the debris from shifting or reforming downstream.
Cost Scenarios Evaluated
Two removal scenarios were analyzed:
- With rock cap: $757,526 (550 ft)
- Without rock cap: $678,905 (550 ft)
City staff recommended using the rock cap method to ensure long-term stability.
Total Project Cost
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original Contract | $411,231.20 |
| Rebuild Rock Pad | $35,086.13 |
| Construct Log Road | $49,446.22 |
| Additional Log Removal (550 ft) | $757,526.00 |
| Total | $1,212,169.75 |
Funding Plan
The project was not included in the 2025 city budget, and funding will come from a combination of:
- $47,000 from General Fund contingency
- The remaining balance from General Fund reserves
A budget amendment may be necessary later, depending on the timing of FEMA reimbursements.
If full disaster funding is approved, the City’s net share would be approximately 15 percent, with the remainder reimbursed through federal and state disaster assistance.
Project Timeline and Scope
City staff expect the debris removal to be completed by late November 2025, depending on weather and river flow conditions.
The amendment covers log and sediment removal only. It does not include any future channel stabilization or intake structure repairs, which may be evaluated after cleanup is complete.
DIEHL Enterprises will also remove the temporary access road once work concludes to restore the site to pre-construction condition.
City Staff Findings
The report notes that the work qualifies as an emergency project due to the direct impact on the city’s water infrastructure and the ongoing public safety risk from flood debris.
DIEHL Enterprises was one of four competitive bidders for the original contract and remains the lowest qualified bidder. City engineering and utilities staff found the company’s approach both effective and cost-efficient.
The report also emphasizes that constructing the access road was the least damaging and most practical option, compared with cutting new entry points into the park for equipment.
Commission Options
The City Commission will consider three options:
- Approve the contract amendment, increasing the total to $1,212,169.75.
- Approve with modifications.
- Reject the amendment, pay DIEHL for work completed to date, and direct staff to reassess.
Staff Recommendation
City staff recommend Option 1, approving the amendment as presented.
The Utilities Department states this approach ensures uninterrupted progress and allows the City to remain eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
Editor’s Note:
The Salina City Commission will meet Monday, October 13, 2025, with the Study Session at 2:30 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 4:00 p.m. Meetings will be held in Room 107 of the City/County Building and streamed live on the City of Salina YouTube channel and via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587.
Citizens may also call 1-346-248-7799 (Meeting ID: 892 7598 4587) to listen or speak during public comment. Written comments can be sent through the “Email City Commission” icon at www.salina-ks.gov by 5:00 p.m. Sunday before the meeting.
For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (785) 309-5735.