County secures CHPP grant for 640K bridge project set for fiscal 28

The Worth County Board of Supervisors is moving forward with plans to secure funding for a significant bridge replacement project, estimated at $640,000, during their recent meeting. The board expressed optimism about receiving a CHPP grant, which would cover a substantial portion of the costs, with $128,000 allocated from the county's FM fund and the remainder expected from federal aid.

To facilitate the grant application process, the board has engaged HDR, a firm that has successfully assisted with previous grants, for a fee of approximately $10,000. This strategic move aims to ensure that the project is well-supported by the community, with plans to gather letters of support from local representatives and businesses, as well as conduct an online public survey.

A key step in the process involves programming the project into the fiscal 2028 budget, which the board has already initiated. This programming is crucial for demonstrating commitment to the project when submitting the grant application. The board noted that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is not expected to begin work on the project until fiscal 2028, but having it programmed now will strengthen their application.

While only one bridge currently qualifies for replacement, the board is hopeful that future inspections will reveal additional bridges in need of attention. The ongoing bridge inspection process will determine the county's eligibility for future grant opportunities, reinforcing the importance of proactive planning and community engagement in securing necessary funding for infrastructure improvements.