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Board approves library grant, Ag Resource Center construction contract, landfill sitework bid, CVMC easements and rural transit grant
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Summary
On consent the Board accepted a $37,993 LSTA library grant, awarded a $4.02 million construction contract for an Agricultural Resource and Education Center, approved easements for CVMC property, authorized Blackburn landfill Unit 4 sitework ($2.08 million) and approved a $250,000 Section 5310 rural transportation grant application.
Catawba County commissioners on Aug. 4 approved a slate of consent and capital items including grant acceptances, construction contracts, easements and a rural transportation grant.
The Board accepted a $37,993 Institute of Museum and Library Services Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant to support a library strategic-planning project aligned to the county’s 2021–2026 strategic-plan goals. The action will fund consulting and community engagement to produce a five-year library plan.
Under the consent agenda the Board awarded the construction contract for the Agricultural Resource and Education Center to Neill Grading and Construction Company, Inc. (low bid $4,016,250) with an estimated 365-day construction schedule and an expected completion around Aug. 6, 2026. County staff said the center will consolidate Cooperative Extension functions now dispersed across an older hospital building.
The Board approved two easements on property held by Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC): a permanent Duke Energy guy-pole easement and a temporary construction easement for a City of Hickory sidewalk project along 12th Avenue NE and Springs Road NE.
For the Blackburn landfill program the Board authorized advance sitework and utility relocation and awarded the contract to Mountaineer Contractors, Inc., at $2,075,882.50, as the lowest responsive bidder; the work includes road, gas piping, leachate and stormwater improvements to support the planned Unit 4 Subtitle D cell.
Earlier in the meeting the Board held a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 2025-30 to submit the Federal Section 5310 rural transportation grant application to NCDOT for $250,000 to support mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities; staff estimated approximately 9,000 one-way trips and 60–115 users could be served in FY 2026-27 if awarded.
All consent items and bid awards were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.