Grant County hears engineering firm on road-use agreements; commissioners approve drafting letter to seek federal funding for Red Hill Road

The Grant County Board of County Commissioners on March 9 heard from Steve Linehan, a representative of engineering firm Kirkham Michael, about Road Use Agreements that can require developers to maintain county roads during construction and provide reimbursement after project completion. Linehan told the board Kirkham Michael drafts agreements that can be structured to impose no net cost on the county and said he would provide a sample agreement for the commissioners to review.

Commissioner Keith McClure moved to acknowledge the discussion and review of the Kirkham Michael agreement; Commissioner Craig Fredrick seconded and the motion carried with Chair Steve Stinson, McClure and Fredrick voting aye. Linehan’s presentation was placed on file for review; no formal agreement was executed during the meeting.

In new business, Commission Chair Steve Stinson presented a drafted Letter of Support requesting federal funds to repair Red Hill Road. Stinson said he will seek signatures from representatives and local businesses to accompany the request. Commissioner McClure moved to approve construction of the letter; Commissioner Fredrick seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The board’s action does not commit Grant County to any specific funding source or project timeline; it authorizes drafting and circulating a letter of support to aid any future federal funding application. Linehan’s sample Road Use Agreement is expected to return to the board for formal consideration if commissioners choose to pursue developer agreements tied to specific projects.