Keith County highway officials told commissioners they are continuing design and bidding work for the Lakeview West road project while a funding agreement with Nebraska Game and Parks remains with state offices.

Highway Superintendent Tom Holder said deputy director Swinson at Game and Parks told staff the program statement for the county's award is still at the capitol and has not been returned. County staff and Game and Parks officials have discussed allowing interest earned on funds in the county's restricted account to remain in that fund and be added to future allowable expenditures via amendment.

The county's engineering consultant completed geotechnical work and design for mill-and-fill and shoulder widening on Lakeview West, and the county is ready to publish bids. Staff said they expect to open bids on the project on Aug. 13. The county also scheduled a public informational meeting about Lakeview West for Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m., coinciding with a budget workshop; Game and Parks staff, including park administrator Jeff Fields, are expected to attend.

Staff said the initial program statement must go through both the Department of Administrative Services and the governor's office, but later amendments could be handled locally without the full state review. Commissioners and staff discussed keeping engineering and bidding moving so the construction timeline is not delayed after the agreement executes. County staff said Game and Parks officials have been cooperative and want to see the project completed.

Separately, Holder reported Lakeview West engineering and a separate Burma Road project received material submittals and that bids were being prepared for public opening. He said he hopes the projects will be under contract before year'end.