Codington County commissioners on Dec. 2 voted to apply for state bridge improvement grant funds for Bridge 15‑157‑025, approved related right‑of‑way and utility certificates, and authorized two engineering contracts to produce bid-ready bridge plans.

The commission approved Resolution 2025-22, which authorizes the county to seek bridge improvement grant dollars for Bridge 15‑157‑025 on Cottonwood Street. Staff told commissioners the state program is competitive and that increasing the county match above the standard 20% improves the county’s point score. The commission substituted a motion to set a 30% local match and approved it by voice vote. County staff indicated a 30% match would raise the county’s score and amortize a larger share of the project cost locally.

County staff also requested and received approval to sign a right‑of‑way certificate for Bridge 15‑157‑025 affirming that temporary construction easements have been obtained and that any required improvements and utility expenses will be addressed. Commissioners then approved a related utility notification certificate after staff confirmed that utilities (Clark Electric and ITC) had been notified and that no relocations were required.

Separately, the board approved agreements with Banner Engineering to prepare bid‑ready plans for two other bridges. The contract for Bridge 15‑215‑220 (over the Big Sea River, southern county) was approved with a not‑to‑exceed fee of $189,000. The contract for Bridge 15‑242‑145 (Oak Street over Little Creek) was approved with a not‑to‑exceed fee of $75,000. Commissioners and staff discussed obtaining landowner easements before incurring significant design costs.

The actions were approved by voice vote. The commission’s decision to increase the local match is intended to improve the county’s competitiveness for limited state bridge funds. County staff and the board said they would move forward with the grant application and follow up on next steps, including easement acquisition and bid-ready plan milestones.