Gage County approves NDOT bridge-match agreement, secures $500,000 for two culvert projects

The Gage County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Jan. 8, 2025, to approve a program agreement (BL2429; NDOT project STWDCBMP9, control number 00974H) and a signing resolution (Resolution No. 25-01) for the county bridge-match program. The board also authorized signatures on the paperwork so the county can accept the awarded projects.

Supervisor Jurgens moved to approve the program agreement; Supervisor Swavely seconded. The board voted in favor, and county staff said all supervisors present signed the paperwork. The board then approved the accompanying resolution (25-01) by the same vote.

County highway staff reported that Gage County was awarded two projects in Round 9 of the bridge-match program and expects roughly $500,000 in state reimbursement for those two projects. The highway presenter described one site as ready with completed plans and the other as having plans nearly finished; both projects are expected to be let soon. The presenter said the county has participated in prior bridge-match rounds, bringing in substantial outside funds over multiple years; total estimated investment across rounds exceeded $3 million with roughly a 48% reimbursement rate so far.

The agreement and resolution authorize the county to move forward with NDOT on the bridge-match projects and to sign required documents. County staff said contractors and engineering work are at different stages: one box culvert already poured, the other covered with rock, and engineering plans for the new projects nearing completion.

Supervisors stressed the value of pursuing outside funding to offset county expenses. The board voted 7-0 to approve the program agreement and 7-0 to approve the resolution; supervisors were asked to sign the documents during the meeting.