SALINA, KS — As concerns mount over a major log jam on the Smoky Hill River, city officials say the scale and complexity of the debris removal project make local solutions impractical. The undertaking could cost upwards of $500,000, prompting questions about why the City of Salina is pursuing external bids rather than using in-house or county resources.
In a written response to Salina311, Utilities Director Martha Tasker explained that the City is seeking a "turnkey project" with an outside contractor equipped to handle the entire removal process. This includes having the proper equipment, insurance, and bonding capabilities to manage both the scale and the risks involved.
Tasker noted that while the City and County have discussed potential collaboration, both entities lack the necessary machinery and experience to handle a log jam of this magnitude. The County has experience with small drift removal, but not the type of heavy-duty, large-scale clearing now required.
“The County has requested a State of Local Disaster Emergency for Saline County for the log jam,” Tasker said, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond routine maintenance. She added that the City and County’s dump trucks are not designed for the type of debris involved and cannot be loaded or dumped easily in this scenario.
When asked about the possibility of renting the required equipment, Tasker said the City has considered it, but the overall lack of technical expertise and the need for efficiency weighed heavily in the decision to contract out the work.
The log jam, which has drawn attention due to its size and associated hazards, remains a high priority for city officials. However, with costs potentially exceeding half a million dollars and limited local capabilities, Salina is leaning toward external solutions rather than piecemeal local efforts.