Morrison County approves $11.5 million transportation program, prioritizes bridge replacements

Tony (county engineer/public works) presented the county's 2026 Transportation Improvement Program and asked the board to approve the plan and authorize the county engineer to proceed. He said the program addresses just over 35 miles of pavement, includes a reconstruction of County 76 with removal of recycled concrete, and anticipates roughly 107,000 tons of hot mix and about $11,500,000 of work for the year. Tony told the board roughly $3,000,000 of that total is expected from external sources, including LRIP and federal funds, with state aid and local option sales tax contributing as well.

The board voted to approve the transportation plan (motion by Commissioner Moran; second by Commissioner Casper). Tony then requested authorization for a resolution prioritizing bridge replacements after the county's annual safety inspections highlighted about 11 bridges that need replacement or significant work. He said the resolution helps the county show commitment when applying for grants and to allocate local match funding. The board approved the resolution (motion by Commissioner Wincher; second by Commissioner Casper).

The county also noted that one culvert (County 34) was rated down after bridge inspection and that some projects will depend on funding availability. Several commissioners asked technical and schedule questions; Tony said contractors will propose start dates and methods but the county will restrict the County 76 reconstruction from starting before school is out and expects the green (reconstruction) portion to begin after June 1.