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Public works director: Columbia County awarded $180,000 SS4A planning grant; county to provide match
Summary
Public works director Mike Russell told commissioners the county’s application for a US DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning grant was approved for $180,000; total project cost is $240,000, which requires a $60,000 match largely described as staff time.
Mike Russell, Columbia County public works director, told the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 29, 2025, that the county’s application to the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program was approved. The award is $180,000 in federal funds toward a project with an estimated total cost of $240,000, leaving a match requirement of $60,000.
"We submitted a ask for $180,000 in federal funds for a total project cost of $240,000 so we'd have a match requirement there," Russell said at the meeting. He described the local match primarily as staff time costs; at the meeting he indicated roughly $60,000 of staff time would be allocated to project tasks and that the planning effort would cover countywide roads and state highways where the county coordinates with the state.
Russell said the county has been working with the federal government to finalize the grant agreement and intends to place the signed agreement on a future consent calendar for the board’s signature. Commissioners expressed support for continuing to process the agreement while the county awaits any federal changes to SS4A funding. Russell said the county will proceed with contract execution but will confirm federal funding availability before spending project funds.
Why it matters: The SS4A planning grant funds development of a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, which can identify near-term projects and shape applications for future capital funds. If finalized, the planning work could position Columbia County for larger construction funding tied to safer streets and intersections.
Next steps: County staff will complete the grant agreement execution, place it on a future consent calendar for signature, and confirm federal funding before starting reimbursable expenditures.
