Des Moines County joins multi‑county competitive highway bridge grant application

Des Moines County supervisors voted Feb. 18 to approve an interlocal agreement and a supporting resolution allowing the county to join a multi‑county competitive highway bridge grant application.

County staff described the application as a regional package that groups bridges into bid “bundles.” The application, as presented to the board, includes roughly 33 bridges and involves other local governments and state partners; staff said the full application lists about 28 counties and three cities across multiple states. The county will share the cost of a consultant chosen for the application; staff estimated a prorated share of consulting expenses at about $7,000 per participating entity. Officials said the county’s hope is to secure up to 80% federal funding for eligible bridge costs but acknowledged there is no guarantee of that level of funding.

Board members were told the state will lead work on any bundle that includes state bridges. Staff estimated the projects could be bid in 2026 or early 2027, calling this a fast turnaround for a federal grant. The board approved the agreement and the accompanying resolution to allow county signatures and return the originals to the state transportation office for its signatures.

Supervisors said more paperwork and agenda items on this topic are likely in the coming weeks as the application moves through state and interlocal review.

Ending: The board’s vote authorizes county staff to finalize signatures on the agreement and participate in the regional grant application; further project‑level details and final federal awards will depend on the grant process and future bids.