County describes work plan, $50,000 cap for Maxwell State Park road repairs; seeks 50% reimbursement from Wildlife and Parks

McPherson County public works staff described a memorandum of understanding to repair washouts and restore roadway near Maxwell State Park, asking the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to reimburse 50% of the work.

Public Works Director David Bondbliss told commissioners the county proposes to supply manpower, equipment and materials to fill washouts with small and large concrete rubble, seed native grasses, pull shoulders and add stockpiled gravel and topsoil where needed. The draft MOU sets a county budget “not to exceed $50,000” for roughly one and a half weeks of work and asks Parks and Wildlife to reimburse 50% (about $25,000), Bondbliss said. The work must be completed by May 1 under the proposed schedule.

Bondbliss said crews have already started filling large washouts and covering them; topsoil placement and seeding remain to be finished. Bondbliss also said staff requested an additional 30 feet of right‑of‑way (15 feet each side) for possible future work but that any permanent change in right‑of‑way was not part of the immediate repair scope. He said staff is still attempting to locate suitable topsoil for final seeding.

Bondbliss said Parks and Wildlife had supplied grass seed and remained “supportive” but had not yet confirmed a reimbursement commitment; bond fencing or temporary stock fences were observed on site to protect seeded areas. Commissioners and staff discussed liability and public safety as primary drivers for completing repairs promptly.

No formal MOU approval vote appears in the transcript; Bondbliss said staff proceeded with immediate repairs to address safety concerns pending the external partner’s formal response.