County hires legislative consultant to pursue federal funding for transportation and housing

The Otter Tail County Board authorized signatures on an agreement with legislative consultant Larkin Hoffman on Dec. 2 to help pursue federal funding for priority projects, including transportation and a senior housing project in New York Mills.

Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard summarized the committee recommendation and said the consultant's existing relationships in Washington, D.C., were a key factor. "My recommendation... would be to move forward with an agreement with Larkin Hoffman, specifically Megan," Leonard said (the transcript lists the surname as "Nice"). He told commissioners the county must identify priority projects by the end of the month to be positioned for federal appropriations work in January and said staff plan to return to the board on Dec. 16 with a prioritized list of shovel-ready projects.

Leonard said the board should expect to target projects in the $5 million to $8 million range as potentially competitive for federal transportation funding and explained the consultant would engage both Senate and House offices depending on the project lane. Commissioners discussed whom the consultant would 'knock on' in Washington; Leonard said it will depend on project type and cited Representative Fishbach's office as a key contact for transportation and Senators Klobuchar and Smith as potential champions for the housing project.

The board approved the contract authorization by voice vote. Leonard said the agreement as drafted is three years with an option allowing a one-month notice after the first year to terminate if needed.