Corps named in marina suit
Corps named in marina suit
By STU MERRY
The contractor for the Garrison Bay Marina who was dismissed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers when the project failed to remain on schedule has filed a suit against the Corps.
Kurt Martin, owner of Martin Construction, Gladstone, said he has submitted 10 different certified claims to the Corps, seeking reimbursement of costs of more than $3 million. The amount represents what Martin said he feels he is owed by the Corps for work done at the marina. Except for the addition of some 60 boat slips, the marina is ready for activity.
Martin said next on the list is to set up depositions and asking for a trial date. He said he expects the hearing will take place sometime this summer and either be in Fargo or Bismarck.
Talking about the suit, Martin said he feels he has s strong case.
“We feel we didn’t do anything wrong,” he said. “We’re just asking for our day in court.”
Martin went on to say he feels he was wronged by the Corps in its dealings concerning the situation.
“I’m shocked at the way we were treated,” he said. “I look forward to sitting down with them.”
The claim, filed in the U. S. Court of Federal Claims, Martin contends his company submitted a bid based on the Corps’ cofferdam design that would have allowed for construction to be done and completed in dry conditions using regular earth-moving equipment.
