[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6285659,"mediaKeyId","2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe","parentId",2569097,"title","Commissioners approve 2025 gravel and bituminous awards and reject Flint Hills' terms amid rising material scarcity","audioSeconds",626,"startMs",1556000,"endMs",2182000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe&start=1556&end=2182","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe/thumbnail_1556000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6285659/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Commissioners-approve-2025-gravel-and-bituminous-awards-and-reject-Flint-Hills-terms-amid-rising-material-scarcity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285659-ca4950df7f41975a0283fa5d3a330f5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770606735&Signature=hBBeIz~r9WycX3AV13YXnC0XQTqZaulIyp9fQRXeu76AFtdCLK53obYEw2jfLDigQ1zV1~~eFrLzb-~QBhy7Oia3nNKp3KTFfJuvPPyWvlBD5PJBqbCSXCbCzzad5NNFFvP2SsiuK4Lm9VziXs3G381k0oKtXmikOb5A8J~Q-mfMy7osjlLADo9qaghcpQDy1QUCqTabvZIuNxf9y6qasdZAiaPlQOy4HkIL2l-yQht2lLFzK41N0DZmBHH0lRS~2P6nfHuA2PEqCUNzo4JCCKS~5mLKCrRjnXqxl8wpjN8Yj7fvIWlzw-JSk05suJEKOZoBLfiqVF3JhG1zdwsn3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Blue Earth County, MN","date","2025-03-12T15:01:09.963Z","article","Blue Earth County commissioners on March 11 approved contracts and awards for 2025 road materials, heard staff warnings about a tight regional aggregate market and resolved a contractual dispute that removed a low bidder from consideration.

Public Works staff told the board the county received only one bid for the 2025 maintenance gravel/crushing contract and that the low bid price was about $3.55 per ton — higher than last year. Staff reported regional factors driving the shortage, including large local projects (notably a Highway 22 project), constrained quarry access because of rail crossing delays, and generally limited aggregate capacity in the southern portion of the state. Staff said the county’s hauling contract obligates the county to buy at least 80 percent of the contracted quantity if it accepts the bid (staff cited 32,000 tons at 80 percent, roughly $336,000). After discussion about supply risks and road-mile priorities, the board approved the gravel award at the full bid quantity.

Separately, staff presented an alternative bid for crushed and stockpiled bituminous recycled asphalt product (RAP). Tim’s Trucking was the low bidder for that item; staff recommended and the board approved awarding the crushed RAP contract to Tim’s Trucking. Staff said using RAP for shoulder material is a cost-effective option and that the county supplies its own milling material for this purpose.

Staff also reported a significant procurement issue on the county’s CRS (chip-seal) bituminous material contract. Flint Hills Resources submitted the lowest dollar bid but appended or submitted modified sales terms that would have bound the county to Flint Hills’ online “terms of sale,” created venue and legal conditions in Kansas, and removed or altered contract protections (sampling, testing, insurance language). After review with the county attorney, staff recommended against awarding to Flint Hills Resources for legal reasons. The county then recommended awarding the bid to the next lowest responsive bidder, identified in the bid tabulation as H. G. MIGS (second bidder). The board approved the award to the second bidder and directed staff to continue efforts to resolve the issue with Flint Hills if possible.

Board members and staff discussed the potential need to reduce gravel quantity and temporarily cut back maintenance miles (staff estimated they might service ~80 miles if quantities are reduced) but ultimately authorized the full awarded quantities to avoid future shortfalls. Staff said they will attempt to coordinate regionally on aggregate needs and continue outreach to suppliers.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners Meeting for March 3rd, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The county approved 2025 awards for maintenance gravel, crushed recycled asphalt, and CRS bituminous materials while flagging a regional shortage of aggregate and rejecting a low bid from Flint Hills over unacceptable contract terms.","taxTitle","Blue Earth County , Minnesota","taxId",52764,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6285664,"Board approves final payments, federal funding agreement and Mankato cooperative construction for Victory Drive projects",280,1253000,1533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe&start=1253&end=1533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe/thumbnail_1253000.jpg","/articles/6285664/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Board-approves-final-payments-federal-funding-agreement-and-Mankato-cooperative-construction-for-Victory-Drive-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285664-cb86bf09cea3735d901885aff2738999/orig.mp4?Expires=1770606735&Signature=ZjTHrokj-mHCvXLT2mB4H2cLQ4y3PwHraWSw0IshARoD3sg0BmEXRC8GFn1SEP75LaXyBbKH7X1GFc~Q5XoKBlyxOXC~n1rPwGZS1mtYvcSYs6UH9Va32xqZ5~JgStF2W52v6tc6jcSa7wPNHKawkgntI27aAiW4nut5Qi2B~L23VJ3GKTb-NfPttjiRJuZnPYRo9n2wQJNY8fIxiQd55r0FNxtVBravnMMvpPySEk6~S7OdE8PYtmJ8xYg9Xr93EeSFyS1K1Jr3PY5WeV94qapSAYZb5Gm6jsTVMlagVAPF-ch85kbwVxI5Du-xl3cBlRA9sw2LS2RdvnTMBpoubQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Earth County commissioners on March 11 approved several public‑works actions tied to County State Aid Highway projects, including a final contractor payment on a Victory Drive reconstruction, authorization to seek federal reimbursement for bridge removal costs and a cooperative construction agreement with the City of Mankato for traffic signals and street lighting.

The board approved a final contract payment for State Aid Project OOT682.10 (County State Highway 82, Victory Drive, reconstruction from south of Hoffman Road to north of Marwood Drive). Staff reported the original contract amount was $3,144,807.42; the final contract deduction/payment figure presented to the board was $46,430.56, producing a total final contract amount of $3,136,069.31. Commissioners voted to approve the final payment.

Staff also recommended acceptance of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) agency agreement number 1058887. That agreement allows the county to request federal reimbursement for construction engineering costs associated with an emergency bridge removal related to State Aid Project 007609013; staff estimated the agreement could cover county staff costs up to $232,828.26 (consultant costs were noted as uncertain and may not be reimbursable depending on federal solicitation compliance). The board approved the agreement and separately adopted the resolution authorizing the county administrator and board chair to execute it.

Finally, commissioners approved a cooperative construction agreement with the City of Mankato for reinstallation of traffic signals at CSAH 82 (Victory Drive) and Hazelton Road and for street lighting along Victory Drive. Staff said the city will lead signal installation and assess 50 percent of signal improvement costs; a county credit for part of that assessment appears in the agreement. Staff presented the revised county cost as $281,982.76 and recommended approval, which the board granted on a voice vote.

Staff said the signals and lighting project is being initiated by the city to facilitate development and that credits for developer assessments are shown in the agreement. The MnDOT agreement and accompanying resolution will allow the county to submit requests for federal reimbursement of eligible engineering expenses.","The county approved multiple transportation-related contracts and agreements on March 11, including a final contractor payment on Victory Drive, authorization to request federal reimbursement for emergency bridge work, and a cooperative construction agreement with the City of Mankato for traffic signals and lighting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6285670,"Blue Earth County board authorizes application for Minnesota 'Bring It Home' rental assistance program",266,773000,1039000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe&start=773&end=1039","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe/thumbnail_773000.jpg","/articles/6285670/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Blue-Earth-County-board-authorizes-application-for-Minnesota-Bring-It-Home-rental-assistance-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285670-7fff71be1460dd5f0839644d6a523334/orig.mp4?Expires=1770606735&Signature=Q6kfGfNBLgYl9b2VXYyoNmvRdFqKCMezbC0fwcEfsGvaP8yOLlBYAmzpn-6mMclqoOyKoDXxFwSixtUU~juT3LgdEOZQ0ED93LxvmCd6t~bhooYBCHCDwjUshCqYRpX3Sf3c7mzXFMYrbbHXOPor9cFr-J-g2AbUhroxrd9k6i1LnZYpTxXOBbWbXxgC42O3Uy5eSWrt5gu--6Wmtgt9rwEn2ifXLwhgatAS~nEnvNEkoDzAgmPE~NFgeSR-nSp~WF~VZEnUv4yo8y8f5YPknDMfL8QxybiftujeVAsDxEJVLjFZWDO1o9-4LYrjVdGAwEhPegRjSjA1atzN9u3IAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Earth County commissioners on March 11 voted to authorize staff to submit an application for Minnesota Housing’s Bring It Home rental assistance program, a state-created rental assistance effort intended to supplement federal Housing Choice Vouchers.

County staff explained the state program is designed to mimic the Housing Choice Voucher program and to expand rental assistance where federal vouchers are insufficient. Staff said the program provides two months of upfront rental assistance for awardees, covers startup costs for local administrative systems and software, and includes a higher administrative fee than the county’s voucher program (staff cited an example administrative fee of about $105 per voucher versus roughly $70 under the existing voucher program).

Nancy, a county staff member, told commissioners the state intends the program to cover the full state and to work through local housing authorities and tribal nations. She said some jurisdictions will receive larger awards (for example, Mankato was identified in the presentation as receiving $728,393 and an estimate that could serve 60 to 80 vouchers). For Blue Earth County staff said the local allocation figure was not specified in the presentation but that the program could serve a small number of vouchers locally (staff estimated “approximately 5 to 7 vouchers” in one remark). She also said the county’s housing authority waiting list was long and that the application can target families with children and people experiencing homelessness. The application deadline staff gave is April 21.

Commissioners asked questions and then moved and seconded approval of the application submission. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Staff will prepare and submit the application and may pursue a single regional application or separate applications coordinated with neighboring housing authorities, according to staff comments.

The state program’s name and application timeline were presented to the board; precise Blue Earth County funding and voucher counts were not specified in the county presentation.","The county authorized staff to submit an April 21 application to Minnesota Housing for the Bring It Home rental assistance program, which provides startup funding and higher administrative fees than existing Housing Choice Vouchers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6285650,"Drainage authority approves County Ditch 39 repair payment and schedules public hearing on County Ditch 56, Branch 3",151,1073000,1224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe&start=1073&end=1224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe/thumbnail_1073000.jpg","/articles/6285650/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Drainage-authority-approves-County-Ditch-39-repair-payment-and-schedules-public-hearing-on-County-Ditch-56-Branch-3","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285650-d59220bde1436a202ef14e0c888f435f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770606735&Signature=UZjCXnTI5hS1R~TGq4-HKxQP5-eK3wkp~V4MKcxXY42Uu12GYpMMKj32w96zkS5Xr-1V3LAgb51YLrPxqk1PV2rYSLzxm1C0wMvmlO5vA2WnsrCdlVJ8vuqMa7RLIX0ftLaq5yQ-WTo2yAs87Hi3BC6mdhIDZp1Ui~dsNL1hSwcgDNtARdhnWskMq7cZtxMyTEEyNJpxPwfeWDkj2oTmJcvMXoGb1OQHspW7xDR3s-NyTBrCO0Wpw99em0lnob1NU4mdeAST1lh6GZOpMiCXxmHr6lhLE44eT7dyYknwEJu2a3E-RkiY5DbxSwsz4ct0uT4Q5gnYIuXI30i-ZreKXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 11 drainage authority meeting, Blue Earth County commissioners approved a repair report payment for County Ditch 39 and scheduled a public hearing on a petition to reroute portions of County Ditch 56, Branch 3.

Public Works staff told the authority the County Ditch 39 repair is located in Judson Township, north of Lake Crystal, and recommended approval of a $24,089.15 contract with Sellers Construction to replace a small branch line. Staff noted the ditch assessment account was currently in the red but the county is actively collecting for the deficit; the authority approved the repair payment on a voice vote.

On County Ditch 56, Branch 3, staff summarized a petition received Nov. 25, 2024 from Minnesota Valley Lands LLC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requesting impoundment, reroute and diversion of portions of the ditch within portions of Garden City Township (sections 9, 16 and 17). County Attorney and the drainage authority’s legal counsel reviewed the petition and found it adequate for proceedings; because one petitioner is a federal agency no bond was required. Charles J. Bridal of ISG was appointed engineer on Dec. 17, 2024 to produce an engineer’s advisory report. The drainage authority set a public hearing on the petition and the engineer’s advisory report for March 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the county board meeting room.

Staff said the County Ditch 56 watershed is about 9,400 acres and affects Garden City and Lincoln Townships. The board’s motion to set the hearing carried on a voice vote.

The drainage authority did not take a final decision on the County Ditch 56 petition at the March 11 meeting; the public hearing will allow evidence and comment before any ruling.","The Blue Earth County drainage authority approved a $24,089.15 repair contract for County Ditch 39 (Judson Township) and set a public hearing on a petition involving County Ditch 56, Branch 3 (affecting Garden City Township) for March 25, 2025 at 9 a.m.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6285655,"Rapidan Dam, Highway 9 bridge: county outlines bridge design, FEMA coordination and dam‑removal work",766,3044000,3810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe&start=3044&end=3810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2569097-36c65ae7a1839437e7a67637e2f62abe/thumbnail_3044000.jpg","/articles/6285655/Blue-Earth-County/Minnesota/Rapidan-Dam-Highway-9-bridge-county-outlines-bridge-design-FEMA-coordination-and-damremoval-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285655-29c875ba4da709c57b082f960aefb5df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770606735&Signature=e~MIXBqnrEoQHvmH2wruvYiD8j~CnSrqV5rYdk~VHNPxhsglgVzktPM7f3Vp2R2LrZGF3Jv3V2EAQLS58hYHSUMVaZ2rlLHxxcLyvkKkiEQMO5akJmDqOVHi~YfA-ZTqsjzf7XZqkjq169ld-7J~vZ6VZJfyz12kgKAaYPT2Y8ihV42CQODwgo6HQOQpPRTZQf1RckeXFdzDHyG-VWAkqskWV76VXMN8oShMLAdp-yiekB0cIrd3B75deUXT-QX9wPE4ngYnbnbx2Npp9BQGaJa-L6RU-M4tk4yFVhTd4w4mfAmSK~pbq2uKwAXw0k80ZeOptbLVNIYIJi~o4-LaZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Blue Earth County staff provided an extensive update on the Rapidan Dam area and the Highway 9 bridge project on March 11, saying the bridge removal contractor is working on pier removal while county consultants and federal agencies continue to quantify damages and scope repair and removal options.

Staff reported that the bridge contractor used explosive charges and cable saws to sever and remove portions of the demolished bridge and that crews were rubbleizing and hauling debris. Weekly bridge design check-in meetings are in place; TKDA is serving as the bridge design lead and Barr Engineering is under contract to develop river and dam removal estimates and a river restoration design.

Staff said preliminary cost estimates for bridge replacement are coming in above Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) emergency relief funding limits. Bridge design work has focused on alternatives and foundations; staff said the valley erosion has increased the required bridge height and deeper foundations are needed to guard against scour. TKDA prepared roughly 10 alignment options and staff anticipate a workshop and an alignment memorandum in April.

On the dam and river matters, staff described two parallel estimation processes: FEMA is quantifying damages and developing a scope and cost to return certain areas to pre‑event conditions (the county characterized FEMA’s eligible area as contiguous from the Britton Road right-of-way through the county park), while Barr is preparing a separate engineering estimate and river profile for a dam removal and full river restoration. Staff said FEMA’s quantification is nearing completion and that county staff have asked to involve Barr in reviewing FEMA’s scope so the county receives realistic quantities and durable repair assumptions.

Staff cautioned the board that the schedule and sequencing are uncertain: they cannot assume the dam will be removed before the bridge replacement given current funding and permitting complexity (permits, FERC surrender process, cultural‑resource clearances and potential Corps of Engineers coordination). Staff said the board should expect a multi‑year program of work and that more detailed cost and schedule information will follow when Barr and other consultants finish their work. Staff also noted the county provided FEMA with drone inspection footage and Tanner Gate inspection data to show incremental damage since 2019.

Commissioners asked about FEMA’s role and timing; staff said FEMA is developing its own quantities and that Barr will coordinate with FEMA and validate numbers as the county moves toward scoping and funding discussions. Staff emphasized the complexity of permitting, potential funding gaps and the need to coordinate among MnDOT, FHWA, FEMA, FERC and other agencies.

No formal board decisions were taken beyond accepting the informational update; staff said further presentations will return to the board when additional design and cost data are available.","Blue Earth County staff reported on bridge removal progress, design work for a replacement bridge, FEMA damage quantification, and separate engineering work estimating dam‑removal costs. Staff said bridge design and river hydraulics work are under way, and that FEMA and Barr Engineering will produce separate cost estimates for repair and removal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners approve 2025 gravel and bituminous awards and reject Flint Hills' terms amid rising material scarcity

Board approves final payments, federal funding agreement and Mankato cooperative construction for Victory Drive projects

Blue Earth County board authorizes application for Minnesota 'Bring It Home' rental assistance program

Drainage authority approves County Ditch 39 repair payment and schedules public hearing on County Ditch 56, Branch 3

Rapidan Dam, Highway 9 bridge: county outlines bridge design, FEMA coordination and dam‑removal work