Clay County officials told the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 13 that the bond transportation program has expended approximately $143,800,000 to date and outlined the schedule and risks for major road and bridge projects.

Ed Dendoor, bond transportation program administrator, reviewed progress on several projects, reporting percent‑paid figures and schedule forecasts. He said County Road 217 — a two‑lane, 25‑foot‑wide bridge slated to be replaced with a 40‑foot‑wide structure including shoulders and bike lanes — has an early full replacement estimate near $5.5 million, including permitting and design. Commissioner (Speaker 6) had noted an FDOT grant of about $2.5 million; county engineer Richard Smith (Speaker 15) told the board that the FDOT funding will not cover the full cost and that the county anticipates identifying additional funding from its capital plan or future budgets.

Smith said design work is expected to cost roughly 10% of total construction — in the $500,000–$600,000 range — with designer selection aimed for about May 2026 and construction procurement targeted for FY2027–28. He said the estimate is conservative and referenced a comparable four‑lane project that cost about $6 million in 2020.

Dendoor reported ongoing negotiations with contractors on schedule and compensation issues for other corridor projects, noting that some delays stem from unforeseen underground utilities and weather. For one roundabout project, Kiewit and the county were still resolving schedule disputes; Dendoor said the county is pursuing non‑compensatory remedies where possible (granting additional time rather than dollars) and is documenting construction inspection evidence to support its position. He said the team is aiming for completion of some segments in late summer and that limited night work will be used to maintain public safety and keep traffic flowing.

The county manager and commissioners pressed for clarity on where shortfalls will be covered and were told the finance department will analyze options across upcoming budgets. No additional formal funding decision was taken during the meeting; the board voted to approve the related agenda item after the presentation.

What happens next: staff expects to select a designer around May 2026, produce bid‑ready plans by spring 2027, and identify funding sources for construction in subsequent budget cycles.