Benton County seeks grants for community projects including health center and safety upgrades

The Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting on February 18, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding community safety and infrastructure projects. The meeting highlighted the approval of a natural hazard mitigation plan aimed at enhancing wildfire preparedness in the region.

Commissioners discussed the importance of establishing evacuation routes in light of increasing wildfire risks. The Cardwell Hill Corner repair, initially planned for last fall, is now slated for early summer, with additional evacuation routes through McDonald Forest and Grant Park already in place. These routes are essential for public safety and will be communicated to residents to ensure they are aware of their locations and operational details.

In addition to safety measures, the meeting addressed community-initiated project requests. Assistant County Administrator Rick Krager presented three grant applications for consideration, aimed at securing federal funding for various projects. The first project is the Jackson Raizer Boardwalk, for which the county seeks $1.2 million to match existing funds. This project is described as "shovel ready," making it a strong candidate for funding.

The second request involves $2.5 million for regional public safety radio equipment, which aims to upgrade communication tools for rural fire districts. This follows a previous grant that supported infrastructure development.

Lastly, the commissioners discussed the Monroe Health Center expansion, which has evolved from a prefab structure to a new construction project at a more favorable location. The county is seeking additional funding to cover the increased costs associated with this expansion.

The deadline for grant applications is February 23, 2025, and the commissioners emphasized the need for letters of support to accompany these requests. The meeting concluded with a commitment to move forward with these initiatives, which are vital for enhancing community safety and health services in Benton County.