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Yankton County weighs how to pay its share of Stone Church Bridge project
Summary
Highway staff told commissioners bids for the federally funded Stone Church Bridge open tomorrow; the county would be responsible for 18.05% of the cost. Commissioners discussed STIP funds, potential bonding, detour impacts, and the risk of losing the grant if the county does not proceed.
County highway staff told the commission that the Stone Church Bridge project is out for bid and that the Department of Transportation will open bids tomorrow. The project is federally funded but requires a local match; staff reported the county’s obligation is 18.05% of the bridge cost.
Staff reviewed past bidding ranges — a previous low bid of about $8 million and a high of $12 million — and said expectations are for a $10–12 million bid range. At a $10 million contract, the county’s share would be roughly $1.8 million, and staff said payments could be spread over the project (roughly two years) with quarterly bills. Commissioners discussed options including deferring annual STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) funds (estimated at about $300,000 per year) toward the bridge payments, issuing bonds, or asking voters to approve a levy.
Several commissioners stressed the operational impact of closures: with the bridge load‑restricted today and detours of roughly 20 miles, losing the bridge or delaying work could impose substantial travel burdens on residents and emergency response. One commissioner warned that the county risks losing the federal grant if it does not move forward; another said the county should wait for the bids to determine the size of the local obligation before choosing financing options.
Highway staff also reported separate FEMA‑funded erosion work on the Merindale Bridge following last year’s flooding; commissioners approved advertising for erosion‑control materials and the related letting. The commission did not take a final financing decision for Stone Church Bridge at this meeting; it directed staff to return after bids are opened so the board can review exact figures and options.
