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County flags bridge funding shortfall; seeks federal bridge grants and local maintenance plans
Summary
Commissioners were told the county’s bridge fund balance will not cover projected replacement costs for several bridges; staff discussed using the county bridge fund for match on federal NOFA/8020 bridge projects and allocating funds for maintenance and emergency repairs, and described permit and consultant costs for a covered bridge repair.
County staff and commissioners discussed an escalating bridge funding gap during the highway budget hearing, highlighting maintenance needs for local covered bridges and the need to apply annually for federal bridge grants to complete large replacements.
Staff said the county’s bridge account had a June 30 balance of roughly $1 million, but engineering estimates for identified bridge projects ranged from about $1.8 million to $2.66 million for some replacements — figures that exceed the current local fund. Staff said the county has identified five candidate bridges for federal 80/20 (NOFA) bridge funding and that application and environmental phases can take multiple years; one cited bridge (Bridge 28) had an estimated construction cost of roughly $2.66 million.
Staff recommended applying for a NOFA bridge every year if possible and maintaining a local match balance to cover the county’s 20 percent share when an award is made. They also noted that bridge funds can be used for maintenance beyond new construction — for example, emergency repairs, pipe purchases or replacement beams — and urged proactive preservation work such as cleaning salt and vegetation from bridge bearings and structures to extend service life.
Commissioners heard a specific covered‑bridge item: the Eugene Covered Bridge over the Big Vermilion River has embankment washout requiring work. Staff reported Mike (former superintendent) had met with highway crews and Steve Axle of the historical society, and that a consultant fee for permitting and design to the state’s agencies was estimated at about $7,500. The county had budgeted $10,000 in a covered‑bridge line and staff recommended using that account for the permit and immediate work; staff said historical society funds and tourism funds might also contribute.
No formal vote was held; staff said they will pursue federal grant applications, refine cost estimates and return with recommendations on match commitments and maintenance plans.
