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Kandiyohi County seeks Corridors of Commerce funds, clears contracts and updates $10.2M bridge needs
Summary
Kandiyohi County voted May 6 to pursue a $2.9 million Corridors of Commerce project‑readiness application, approved final payment of $302,137.71 to Central Specialties for 2024 paving work, and adopted an updated bridge‑priority resolution reflecting about $10.2 million in needs.
Kandiyohi County public works staff asked the Board of Commissioners May 6 to advance multiple transportation items: submit a Corridors of Commerce project-readiness application, approve final payment for last year’s bituminous work, and adopt an updated bridge-priority resolution after county inspections increased the list of bridges needing attention.
Public Works Director Mel Odins told the board the county submitted a Corridors of Commerce project-readiness application seeking $2,900,000 to complete the four‑lane extension on the southwest segment of Highway 23 near the county’s rail/industrial park area. Odins described the request as a “project readiness” application focused on soft‑costs such as design, environmental review and permitting that would position the corridor for future construction funding. The board approved moving the application forward by motion.
Odins also recommended final payment for last year’s county bituminous contract. The board approved final payment to Central Specialties in Alexandria in the amount of $302,137.71, closing the contract the county completed in September 2024.
Finally, after nondestructive testing of timber and other county bridges, Odins asked the board to update its annual bridge-replacement resolution. The updated tally shows roughly $10.2 million in needs across 17 bridges now on the county’s list; Odins said the county expects to use multiple funding sources — including local levy, state aid, federal programs and potential bonding funds — and that a state bonding bill would materially help the county’s program. The board passed the revised resolution by unanimous vote.
Commissioners noted the difference between short‑term resurfacing projects and longer‑term corridor and bridge work and urged timely legislative outreach for bonding and grant opportunities. Odins said the updated bridge list includes some township bridges and several that will require follow‑up inspection and engineering work.
No additional county action was required at the meeting beyond approving the application, final payment and the updated bridge resolution; staff will pursue grant programs and report back on funding outcomes.
