Union County approves bridge grant applications and accepts right-of-way donations

The Union County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 10 to seek Bridge Improvement Grant funding for two county bridge projects near Alcester and accepted donated right-of-way easements needed for the work.

Highway Superintendent Jerry Buum presented the proposed applications for structure numbers 64-042-050 (over West Brule Creek, about 4.8 miles west and 1.0 mile south of Alcester) and 64-058-050 (over East Brule Creek, about 3.2 miles west and 1.0 mile south of Alcester). The resolution authorizes submission of Bridge Improvement Grant applications to the South Dakota Department of Transportation and states that Union County will provide the required 30% local match and cover any ineligible expenses.

The board also approved agreements to accept both voluntary right-of-way donations (Patrick and Cheryl Walsh) and a right-of-way donation (Robert Walsh) for parcels described in the minutes. The recorded motions specify perpetual and temporary easement areas and were approved by motion of Commissioner Dailey, seconded by Commissioner Ustad; the minutes record the motions as carried.

The county’s resolution notes the projects are listed in the county’s Five-Year County Highway and Bridge Improvement Plan and requests the Department of Transportation accept the applications. The board did not record detailed vote tallies beyond the motion-and-carried language in the minutes.

Next steps: the county will submit the Bridge Improvement Grant applications to the South Dakota Department of Transportation and proceed with the accepted easements as described in the approved agreements.