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Supervisors approve county to apply for federal RTA planning funds for Old Lincoln Highway resiliency study

5775467 · September 2, 2025

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Summary

The board authorized staff to apply for the FEMA RTA (Rural and Tribal Assistance) pilot program to fund planning and design work for Old Lincoln Highway flood resiliency in partnership with Harrison County; applications open Sept. 8 and selection is expected in December 2025.

Pottawatomie County supervisors voted to authorize an application for a federal Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) pilot grant to fund planning, environmental review and preliminary design for flood‑resiliency improvements on Old Lincoln Highway, a county road that carries traffic diverted from Interstate 29 during flood events.

County staff said the RTA program is 100% federally funded and requires no local match. Applications open Sept. 8 and are processed on a first‑come, first‑served basis; county staff warned that applications submitted on the first day have a better chance of being selected. Staff identified a proposed request of up to $1.5 million for planning and design, though officials said that figure is an estimate and that applicants may request up to the program maximum.

The proposed application would be a joint effort with neighboring Harrison County. County staff said John (last name on file), now with Harrison County, has offered to lead application preparation and initial administration; the board discussed reimbursing any county time he spends on Pottawatomie County work under an intergovernmental agreement if the project is funded.

Supervisors discussed uncertainties in the program, including how projects will be evaluated and which federal office will make selections. Staff said the anticipated notification date for awards is December 2025. The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution authorizing application submission (Resolution 51‑2025) and directed staff to proceed with the application and coordination with Harrison County.