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County to pursue agribusiness grant, consider taking half-mile township road to support feed-mill expansion
Summary
Commissioners discussed applying for an Agribusiness grant (up to $600,000, 80/20 split) to pave a half-mile of Utica Township road serving an expanding feed mill; estimated project cost is about $753,000 with a county share near $153,000 and a July 15 grant deadline.
County staff and commissioners discussed a proposed application for a state Agribusiness economic-development grant to fund road improvements serving a planned expansion of a local ag facility.
Mike (county staff) told the board the grant covers up to $600,000 on an 80/20 split and that the current cost estimate for asphalt paving from Highway 50 north a half-mile is roughly $753,000, leaving an estimated county share of about $153,000 for construction (design and construction-engineering costs were noted as not included in the grant estimate). Mike said the expansion—described as about a $15,000,000 feed-mill project—would add at least five jobs, which is the grant threshold for eligibility.
Commissioners discussed whether the county should accept ownership of a half-mile of Utica Township road (a precondition for applying) and whether the surface should be asphalt (recommended as feasible) or concrete (estimated to cost about $450,000 more). Commissioners asked staff to prepare a resolution and a county letter of support; Mike said a resolution would be ready for the July 1 meeting and the application deadline is July 15.
No formal action to accept the road or commit funds was taken at the June 17 meeting; commissioners instructed staff to advertise the resolution and bring firm cost numbers to the next meeting.
