Public works outlines Cooktown paving plan, equipment needs and long-term gravel/pit challenges

Public works staff provided a detailed update on paving, drainage and heavy-equipment needs at the Miller County commissioners meeting.

The county plans to continue the Cooktown paving project and tie the next overlay to the section identified as the worst stretch past Griffin Sheffield toward the Baker County line. Staff said the schedule could allow paving in May or June, depending on paperwork and available funds; the board was asked to sign a letter and authorize paperwork that would enable grant or state funds to be released for the next paving phase.

Crews will spend two weeks addressing drainage, tree removal and ditch cleaning on the Baker County end, followed by cold-patching and a targeted overlay on the worst sections. Staff emphasized a focus on ditch restoration and clearing trees that have obstructed drainage.

Staff also reviewed heavy-equipment condition: an excavator reported at roughly 4,000 hours (meter status uncertain) with worn tracks estimated to require replacement at a ballpark of $14,000'$15,000; county construction equipment age ranges were cited as 18 to 26 years. The county lacks a dedicated dirt pit, which increases handling and double-moving of material when building roads; staff said they are seeking stockpile locations and will continue soliciting donated/available dirt from contractors.

Commissioners asked staff to gather price estimates on equipment repairs or replacement, to identify potential stockpile/pit sites, and to return with cost estimates and a proposed paving start/finish plan for signatures so grant paperwork can be filed.