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Roads, right-of-way and broadband: Adams County previews 2026 small-structure program, warns of potential state legislative impacts
Summary
County highway staff reviewed the small-structure inspection list for 2026, warned that right-of-way needs and material costs may delay projects, and asked commissioners to coordinate on state legislation that could affect funding. Two Craigville Telephone fiber permits were presented and later approved by the commission.
Adams County highway staff told commissioners that the county's small-structure inspection added only one new structure to the current project list but that right-of-way needs, property-owner coordination and rising material costs mean some projects scheduled for 2026 may be delayed.
Nate, the highway presenter, said the county presently has nine structures on its program list but expects to complete only one or two in the coming year if all factors align. He said the county carries projects forward from year to year while addressing right-of-way and utility conflicts and that staff will send right-of-way needs to the commissioner's office for follow-up with property owners where necessary.
Nate also told commissioners he and colleagues are reviewing proposed state legislation in Indianapolis — including changes that could affect Community Crossings funding and rules around right-of-way acquisition — and asked commissioners to meet with county staff and lobbyists to review bills and coordinate outreach to legislators.
Separately, staff reported two permits from Craigville Telephone to install fiber-optic cable on county roads; the presenter said the company coordinated placement to keep work out of the travel way. The commission later approved those permits during the consent portion of the meeting.
On winter readiness, staff said the county has taken its full state allotment of road salt and currently has "over 400 ton" on hand mixed with sand; mixing helps prevent clumping and the county expects the stockpile to cover the season unless an extreme event occurs. The highway presenter also distributed public-facing guidance explaining why grading and repairs are limited while frost remains in the ground.
Ending
Staff asked commissioners for help contacting property owners when right-of-way issues become critical; no formal direction beyond coordination meetings was taken at this session.
