Clay County awards Comstock urban reconstruction contract to Saline Brothers for $4.43 million

Clay County officials on July 1 awarded the contract for SAP 014‑602‑301, the Comstock urban reconstruction project, to Saline Brothers, Inc. The low complete bid accepted by the board was $4,434,546.77, below the engineer's estimate of $4,795,605.00.

Highway staff said three complete bids were received. The board and county staff discussed construction sequencing and a required completion date for the segment between Highway 75 and the railroad tracks: that portion must be finished by Sept. 15 so it does not interfere with the elevator's corn harvest. Staff indicated the project will likely be performed in phases, with an initial phase this year and a follow‑on phase in 2026.

Justin (highway staff) told commissioners he would prepare an abstract and forward bid documents to Diversion Authority staff and project partners so those entities can plan for 2025 versus 2026 budget impacts. Commissioners emphasized the local economic impacts and the need to minimize harvest‑season disruption for area growers and the local grain elevator.

The board moved and approved the award by voice vote. Highway staff will issue the award letter, execute the contract and coordinate a phased payment schedule and construction timetable with the Diversion Authority and the contractor.

What the board recorded in the meeting: bidder list (as read at bid opening) included Border States Paving, Northern Improvement Company and Saline Brothers; the engineer's estimate was $4,795,605.00; the successful low bid was $4,434,546.77 and the board approved that award on July 1.