County staff told commissioners on Dec. 31 that Osage County is part of a multijurisdictional federal bridge grant application that would cover eight bridges in Osage County and seven in Chase County.

At the meeting a staff member described the total project cost as $69 million and reported the Kansas Infrastructure Hub had provided $27,500 to write the application and committed $9.4 million in match funds to strengthen the rural application. "They now have committed $9,400,000 in match funds so that if we were awarded, they would cover the match costs. We would have 5% postpaid accounting. Our commitment would be 5%," a presenter said.

Speakers said the grant is competitive and that award decisions are expected in the first quarter of the following year after federal review of application criteria. The county emphasized working to make its applications competitive and noted staff time and project readiness (having projects drafted for inclusion) were important to success.

Next steps: County staff will monitor the application schedule and report back when the federal agency announces awards and any required local match or contracting obligations.