The Marathon County Infrastructure Committee unanimously recommended using the county's recently revised General Transportation Aid (GTA) projection to help fund the County Road HH culvert replacement, Highway Commissioner Kevin reported. The culvert, over Springwood Creek (a Class 1 trout stream), has significant corrosion and roadway deformation, and initial inspections showed lateral shearing of the metal structure.

Administrator Leonard told the committee the state-provided GTA projection arrived after the budget was proposed and is higher than the county's original estimate. Leonard and other staff cautioned the projection is not guaranteed and the state can modify the number. The amount referenced in committee discussion was approximately $194,678 (the transcript includes one later reference to $194,658). Leonard said the committee would need to amend the budget to increase the revenue projection.

Kevin said engineers and consultants (RA Smith) examined options to meet DNR expectations for a Class 1 trout stream and recommended alternatives including larger openings, box culverts or bridge options to reduce stream velocity and scour. A larger structure increases the project cost: the county's initial estimate of about $425,000 rose to the $650,000–$700,000 range to achieve the hydraulics and environmental protections the county expects DNR would require.

Committee members asked about alternative grant sources. Kevin said DNR trout-stream restoration grants are rarely available and often take years to secure; he also noted an agricultural-related ARIP funding cycle may accept larger-culvert projects in a future application round (applications were noted as due in January or February, per the highway commissioner). Supervisor Griner, who identified himself as a trout angler and Trout Unlimited member, urged action to protect Springbrook. Supervisor Robinson emphasized that placing the higher GTA projection into underfunded highway projects can improve the county's six-year averaging for transportation aid and benefit future budgets.

Administrator Leonard and highway staff described funding options if the final construction cost exceeds the additional GTA: internal reallocation from other capital projects, use of routine cover-replacement funds, delaying or cutting other work, or drawing from reserves. Leonard said budget amendments and other alternatives would be considered before using reserves.

Supervisor Jensen moved that the committee recommend using the additional GTA funds to help with the County Road HH culvert/bridge project; Supervisor Griner seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

The committee did not take a final appropriation action at the meeting; the recommendation will be forwarded for consideration with the budget process, and a formal budget amendment would be required to realize the revenue increase and authorize spending if chosen.