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Commission approves consultant to pursue federal bridge grant; economic development outlines $10,000 training grant and kite festival plan
Summary
The commission authorized a consultant agreement with Blue Valley Consultant LLC to pursue a federal bridge grant in partnership with Chase County (Osage County maximum contribution capped at $15,000). Economic Development announced a $10,000 grant to fund a business-training event and proposed a family kite event to boost visitors.
The Osage County Commission on Aug. 19 authorized a consultant agreement to pursue federal funding for bridge projects and heard updates from Economic Development on two proposed events.
Consultant and bridge grant: Road and Bridge Director Ryan Fine and Economic Development staff recommended entering a consultant agreement with Blue Valley Consultant LLC to apply for a federal bridge grant under programs tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and overseen by the Federal Highway Administration. The proposed regional application would pair Osage County with Chase County on a multi-bridge application. Under the agreement the total consultant fee was presented on the table and Osage County’s maximum contribution was capped at $15,000, to be paid from Road and Bridge funds at Director Fine’s discretion. The commission approved the contract and authorized Economic Development Director Colleen Mendoza to sign the agreement.
Commissioners and staff discussed the county’s 2021 bridge bond and leftover funds, and how a federal award could elevate the county’s planning and construction capacity by offsetting local costs. Staff listed a set of county bridges included in the project scope and explained that FHWA and state reviewers would evaluate cost‑benefit analyses when allocating partial awards.
Economic development grants and events: Economic Development Director Colleen Mendoza reported that Osage County, working with Coffee, Anderson and Linn counties and the Coffee County Chamber of Commerce, secured a $10,000 grant to bring a nationally recognized business speaker (John Schaller) to the county for entrepreneur and small-business training in 2026. Mendoza said the event is expected to be staged at the ranch house in Iola and will support professional development for rural business owners.
Mendoza also said staff are pursuing a family-focused kite event (large display kites) to complement the county’s "Lap the Lake" activities. Organizers expect the event to be family-oriented and to draw visitors from nearby cities; the event promoter carries a $1 million liability policy. Mendoza said she would complete required county event permitting and work with the corps and other partners on logistics.
Next steps: Staff will execute the consultant agreement with Blue Valley and coordinate the required local match if the grant application advances. Economic development staff will finalize event permits and logistics and continue coordination with partners.
