The Newman City Council has officially marked a milestone in its ambitious Newman Community Conservation Area plan.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the council adopted Resolution No. 2025, declaring the Newman Wetlands Project complete and authorizing City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion with Stanislaus County. This step allows City Manager Michael Holland to initiate the release of retention funds to Rolfe Construction, Inc., 35 days after the notice is recorded.

“We’re completing some projects, which is pretty exciting,’ said City Public Works Director Thomas Spankowski.

The Newman Wetlands Project was funded by a Proposition 1 Storm Water Grant from the California Water Boards and focuses on enhancing approximately 11 acres of marshland, seasonal wetlands, riparian habitat, and native grasslands. By diverting seasonal rain and agricultural water from Miller Ditch in the swell, the project restores natural habitats while improving water quality.

“It will pool up in a natural way in a marshland,” said Spankowski, describing how water from Miller Ditch will fill the restored wetlands.

Construction began on June 5, 2023, and was carried out by Rolfe Construction, Inc., which completed the work within the amended time requirements.

Rolfe Construction was awarded the contract for $278,043.00, but the final construction cost totaled $313,755.25 due to adjustments. Following a final inspection, the work was deemed fully compliant with plans and specifications, clearing the way for a Notice of Completion. If no claims are filed within 35 days, retention funds of $15,687.76 will be paid to Rolfe Construction.

This achievement is part of the larger Newman Community Conservation Area, which outlines four complementary projects. Among them are the Newman Environmental Wetland System, an approximately 21-acre constructed stormwater treatment wetland that will treat the City's currently untreated stormwater prior to discharge into the Newman Wasteway for delivery to the San Joaquin River; an 11-acre wetland restoration project; the Miller Ditch Treatment Wetland, a collaborative effort with UC Merced to treat agricultural supply and tailwater; and the Newman Nature Park. The nature park will feature ADA-compliant walking trails, a playground, and a pollinator garden, said Newman City Manager Michael Holland. Plans for the nature park are expected to be finalized this fall, with construction potentially completed by next year.

The city has secured approximately $13 million in grants for the 80-acre conservation effort, which incorporates measures to protect environmental values and adapt to evolving habitats.

With continued progress, the Newman Community Conservation Area promises to be a model of ecological restoration and community engagement.