Grama County Road Department seeks $552K for equipment and maintenance upgrades

In a pivotal discussion at the Grant County Commission meeting, the Road Department outlined significant budget increases aimed at enhancing safety and infrastructure across the county. Jason Lockett, representing the department, presented a comprehensive plan that includes a substantial boost in funding for equipment maintenance, road repairs, and critical infrastructure projects.

One of the most notable proposals is the increase in the equipment maintenance budget from $3,500 to $35,000, which will fund the replacement of outdated security cameras at the Road Department facility. Lockett emphasized the importance of this upgrade for safety and monitoring purposes, stating, "The cameras that are down there right now are very old and you can't really see that the clarity on them is... very poor."

Additionally, the department is seeking an increase of $139,000 for ongoing microsealing projects on Bill Evans Road, alongside a $22,500 boost for daily work to address rising material costs and improve road conditions. Lockett noted that many roads in Grant County are currently in disrepair, stating, "A lot of our roads are just down to rock, and so by putting that more material on there, it really helps out."

The budget proposal also includes a significant increase for bridges, culverts, and cattle guards, raising the allocation from $10,000 to $60,000. This funding will support a phased approach to replace aging infrastructure that has suffered from deferred maintenance. Lockett highlighted the urgency of these repairs, particularly in light of recent weather conditions, saying, "We have to get those in a phased approach."

In total, the capital outlay request stands at $552,000, which includes the purchase of a new truck to enhance operational efficiency. The commission's support for these budget increases could lead to improved safety and infrastructure resilience in Grant County, addressing long-standing maintenance issues and enhancing the quality of life for residents.