Jim, a county road-and-bridge staff member, asked the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 to approve and sign Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) project documents for bridge replacement project E-30.7 (project 40-5283-01). He said the project is part of the off-system bridge program and will be constructed with 100% state funding using federal funds.

Jim explained the state requires the county to execute an inspection agreement when the county elects to perform construction inspection and materials testing in-house. Harvey County has certified staff — Keith Hostetler (previously certified) and Bruce Pease (recently certified) — who will handle inspections and testing. The KDOT package included detailed requirements and an attestation page (noted as page 17 in the materials) that required county signatures.

Commissioners discussed compliance requirements, including harassment training and other program obligations in the state contract; Jim confirmed county staff have been or will be brought into compliance. A motion to accept the prescribed terms from KDOT and sign the attached agreements authorizing the county to perform in-house construction inspection passed by voice vote.

Ending: Construction was scheduled to begin in early October; staff will notify townships and local stakeholders about the start date and manage on-site inspection and materials testing.