With the second phase of construction on the Duck River Dam set to start in just a matter of weeks, contractor ASI Constructors, Inc. has posted almost 30 new jobs that will be created by the project.

The Colorado-based company had the low, responsible bid of $51.79 million for phase II of construction, which includes construction of the dam and spillway. Officials hope to start work immediately, so ASI has already posted a total of 29 new positions needed in Cullman, including construction laborer, superintendent, site safety manager, backhoe manager and several other roles.

Some listings are also for multiple positions to perform the same function, meaning there could be several more jobs in addition to the 29 specifically listed. Positions are listed online at the Indeed.com service, and can be found by searching “Duck River.”

Susan Eller, with the Cullman Economic Development Agency, noted the company is also lining up some apartments and temporary housing rentals for senior supervisors who will be relocating to the area for the approximate two-year construction timeline.

“They’re in that process now, for some positions they’ll be bringing here,” Eller said. “But, they’ll be hiring quite a lot locally.”

ASI plans to use major out of state sub-contractors they’re familiar with for much of the project, but officials noted phase II should still create several local labor and sub-contractor jobs.

Sub-contractors on ASI’s short list include L.I. Smith and Associates surveying from Tennessee, National Quarry Services drilling and blasting from North Carolina, Layne Christensen Company drilling and grouting from Texas, Colorado Engineering & Instrumentation from Colorado and BECC geotechnical testing from Birmingham, Alabama.

The total cost of the dam project is estimated at approximately $110 million, which is up approximately $40 million from initial estimates due to some unforeseen geological concerns at the site and higher-than-expected flood standards. Along with the increased price tag, local water rates will also be going up to cover the debt service for the project.

Officials plan to delay the next bond issue and use existing funds as long as possible, to keep the rate close to current levels for at least another year.

The board recently hired underwriting firms Piper Jaffray and Raymond James to manage bond funding for phase 2. Minnesota-based Piper Jaffray will serve as lead underwriter, with the project being managed from regional southern offices. Raymond James is a Florida-based firm. The selections were made on the recommendation of the board’s financial advisor.

The dam project will create a 640-acre lake with a 32-million-gallon-per-day capacity in northeast Cullman County, which will work in conjunction with the area’s current sole major water source Lake Catoma. The design will be a hybrid, with roller-compacted concrete in the center and earthen wings.

The Duck River project has been in the works for more than a decade, after being permitted by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers than subsequently delayed by environmental challenges that have since been resolved.

Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 134.