Clay County reports progress on bond-funded road and capital projects; program shows $117.8 million expended

The Clay County Board of County Commissioners on March 11 received an update on the county's bond-funded transportation and capital projects program, including construction progress, permitting status and expenditures.

The update, delivered by Ed Dendor, bond transportation program administrator, covered work on several road projects. Dendor told the board that County Road 218 (Masters Pit to Pine Tree Lane) is continuing excavation and liner placement at multiple pond sites and that the contractor, Anderson Columbia, is installing drainage structures and repairing driveway pavement. Dendor said the project is "on schedule at 30% paid out and 47% of time used."

Dendor also reported County Road 209 work: Superior continues installation of stormwater pipe and temporary pavement placement. For Sea Mar Group projects the county is tracking Army Corps of Engineers permit reviews; responses to the Corps were submitted on Feb. 5. Project 3A is complete; work on 3B and the roundabout tie-in on County Road 209 is underway but the contractor has disputed the schedule.

On Sandridge Road (project 4) the county reported substantial completion, including sod placement, sidewalks and final friction course asphalt; 98% of that project has been paid out, staff said. At Cathedral Oak Parkway (project 6B), Superior has finished rebar and concrete for bridge railings and completed drainage work; that project is 92% paid out but the schedule is in dispute between county and contractor.

County engineer Richard Smith gave a schedule estimate for the County Road 220 bridge replacement and widening. "Eighteen months is the right answer, so we should be looking at close to the end of '26, and it's on schedule," Smith said. The county emphasized that bridge removal work will begin soon and that accelerated work and increased traffic impacts should be expected in the area.

Dendor told the board the bond program has expended $117,800,000 as of March 4. "WGI continues to work across the entire spectrum," he said in his report. The total paid-out percentages and time used vary by project; several projects are under schedule contention with their contractors and county staff said they are working toward resolution.

The capital-projects portion of the update covered other near-term priorities across five county divisions. Among items staff highlighted: - An RFQ was advertised Feb. 27 for design and construction of a new Oakleaf library and community center (approximately 18,000 square feet). - Design and site work for Fire Station 15, to include four apparatus bays and crew spaces; the county has a pad-ready agreement and plans to use existing continuing contracts for design and construction. - Drainage replacement at Halpern's Way (Black Creek Park Unit 2) was completed on schedule and on budget with construction starting Feb. 4 and finishing Feb. 27. - Fox Meadows playground demolition is complete; court resurfacing and pickleball lines are scheduled through May. - Construction of Fire Station 20 is ongoing and expected to finish this summer; the county will coordinate moves once construction is complete. - Work continues on the Cataroon (County Road) 220 widening and bridge replacement; traffic signal work and public outreach are under way.

Dendor and department directors said they select projects for reporting based on public safety, schedule risk and budget constraints. Commissioners and staff encouraged the public to expect short-term disruptions where bridge demolition or pipe installation is scheduled and to attend project public meetings.

The Board did not take action on the bond-report item; it was provided for information and discussion.