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Commissioners back short‑term lobbying funding to pursue federal RAISE grant for County Road 1
Summary
The board signaled consensus to allocate roughly $23,000 through the APO to engage Larkin Hoffman for federal lobbying to support a multi‑million‑dollar County Road 1 RAISE grant application; commissioners cited a prior $5 million award and time sensitivity for the upcoming federal application window.
Benton County commissioners agreed to seek additional lobbying support to press a County Road 1 application for the federal RAISE grant program. Commissioners discussed contracting Larkin Hoffman via the APO (Association of Public Officials) for an estimated $23,240 and reached a consensus to pursue that short‑term funding.
Supporters noted a prior $5 million award for the project and said timely federal advocacy is important because competitive RAISE funds are limited; staff and commissioners said congressional offices (including the district member referenced in discussion) have been supportive and that the RAISE application window closes in February. The board indicated the additional lobbying would likely be paid from board contingency funds.
No formal appropriation was finalized at the organizational meeting; commissioners asked staff to pursue a consensus and report back for a contract signature at a subsequent meeting if necessary.
