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Polk County schedules summer paving, launches right‑of‑way spraying program
Summary
County highway staff outlined a multi‑month paving and chip‑seal schedule and described a new right‑of‑way spraying program designed to control invasive plants and reduce shoulder maintenance costs while avoiding wetlands and sensitive areas.
Polk County highway staff on Tuesday outlined a summer schedule for paving and chip‑sealing projects and described a new right‑of‑way spraying program the county says will reduce maintenance costs and target invasive plant species.
County staff said crews plan to pave County Road E and County Road Double M the week of June 9–12, followed by several chip‑seal and paving segments through August, including Calvary Road and a segment near Highway 35. Staff also said a chip‑seal segment is tentatively scheduled for the week of Aug. 4 and additional paving work the week of Aug. 18.
The county is launching a right‑of‑way spraying program that staff say will treat roughly 80% of public right‑of‑way while shutting off spray in driveways, intersections and wetlands. “The product we’re spraying is a grass inhibitor or growth inhibitor. So we’ll not kill the grass, but you get about two months of inhibited growth on that,” Josh, a highway staff member, said. He added the spray mix includes herbicides to target invasive species while leaving native grasses and pollinator plants comparatively unharmed.
Staff described technical safeguards for the spray rig: a hydraulically controlled boom that can operate at 22 feet or be reduced to 11 feet, nozzle drop controls for mailboxes, and built‑in exclusion zones for water and wetland areas. Staff also said four county employees have been certified to operate the equipment, that the county worked with a commercial spray company for certification, and that public information on the county website will describe the chemicals, safety practices and the program’s goals.
Highway staff characterized the program as a cost‑saving alternative to repeated mechanical mowing and heavier equipment in fragile ditch and shoulder areas. They emphasized the county will not spray private yards where property owners maintain vegetation and will shut off spray near mailboxes and driveways.
Discussion: Commissioners asked about public notification and safety; staff pointed to a new tab on the highway website with product safety data sheets and best management practices. No formal motions or votes were recorded on the spraying program during the meeting.
Ending: Staff asked that technical questions be directed to the highway office and said a final operational schedule and map will be posted online before the first large spray pass.
