Supervisors hear bridge, paving and wetlands mitigation updates; Army Corps permit will require mitigation credits

Chickasaw County staff told supervisors on Sept. 16 that several road and bridge projects are progressing and that a Corps permit will require mitigation bank credits that could carry several thousand dollars in cost.

Staff reported the east abutment on bridge 2870 (west of Aplington/Asherton) is complete, pile driving on the west abutment is finished, and beam setting could occur within two weeks. Crews completed multiple crossroad culvert replacements, completed a second mowing round on side roads, and continued crack-filling and spot rock work ahead of harvest season.

Engineering staff said they submitted a joint application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Nationwide Permit 14 for work that will permanently affect 0.41 acres of wetland. "We're probably looking at $15,000 just upshooting of what we're going to have to do for that," a staff member said while estimating mitigation credit costs and ratios; staff said they would seek mitigation bank credits unless the board preferred establishing a county wetland site, which staff cautioned against.

Supervisors also discussed the Kenwood Avenue paving contract, uncertain completion timing, and the need to designate certain interest/ARPA-like funds by year-end; one supervisor suggested designating the funds to mitigation or rock versus other uses. Staff said they would seek direction on designation prior to the statutory deadline.

No vote was taken on project funding at the Sept. 16 meeting; staff will return with more precise cost information and a recommendation.