Commissioners approve consultant agreement to pursue federal Bridge Investment Program grant

Chase County commissioners voted Aug. 29 to enter an intergovernmental application and consultant arrangement to pursue the federal Bridge Investment Program, which can fund design and construction costs for eligible bridges.

Brandy Sutherland of Valley Consultants presented a proposed application that would include multiple bridges on Middle Creek Road and several additional county bridges. The grant would be administered by the Federal Highway Administration; typical funding shares described in the presentation were 80% FHWA, 15% state Build Kansas Fund, and 5% local match, though Build Kansas staff indicated they may reduce the local share and the state could contribute more match in specific cases.

Sutherland described working jointly with Osage County to make a multi-jurisdiction application more competitive. She outlined a proposed scope that initially identifies six bridges along Middle Creek and additional bridges elsewhere in the county; the application would also include administration, permitting and design costs. The consultant fee to prepare the grant application is $12,500.

Commissioner discussion covered funding, timelines and administration. Sutherland said the application is due Nov. 1 and that awardees must be construction-ready within roughly 18 months of agreement signature; the grant funds are available for drawdown up to five years. She recommended breaking large projects into smaller construction packages so smaller, local contractors can bid competitively.

Commissioners moved to enter the consultant agreement (recorded in meeting minutes as an agreement with Blue Valley Consulting) and authorized payment of consultant fees from fund 085, the countys multi-year capital improvement fund. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Commissioners and staff said pursuing the grant would require additional internal planning, identification of local funding sources for the match (including potential bridge bonds), and coordination with Osage County and the Kansas Build Fund if the application is successful. If awarded, the county would be responsible for documenting match funding and participating in federal reporting requirements.