Valley County commissioners approved a contract on Jan. 12 with Veritas to serve as the general contractor on the Abstine Bridge project, enabling the company to post bonds and release subcontracts needed to order bridge materials.

Kristen, the county road department presenter, said the contract follows a previously approved grant award and that proof of insurance is included in the packet. "With execution of this contract, they can go ahead and release their subcontracts," she said. Commissioners moved and seconded approval and the motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners and staff noted one administrative step remains: the document requires notarization before final execution. Kristen said bonding is the next step after signatures, and that release of subcontracts will allow procurement activity to proceed on the schedule the department needs.

County staff did not announce a specific construction start date at the meeting. The approval authorizes the county to proceed with the contractual relationship with Veritas; staff said they will return the signed contract once notarized and will notify the public when additional procurement milestones occur.