Poweshiek County board approves resolution authorizing property acquisition for County Road V18 improvements

The Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors on March 19 approved Resolution No. 2026-38, authorizing acquisition of permanent right-of-way, temporary construction easements and drainage easements for improvements to County Road V18 between 415th Avenue and 410th Avenue.

The resolution, moved by Vice Chair Jacki Bolen and seconded by Supervisor Jeff Tindle, passed on a 3-0 vote with Chair Jason Roudabush also voting yes. It directs the County Engineer and County Attorney to pursue voluntary purchase when possible and authorizes condemnation proceedings under Iowa Code Chapter 6A if agreements cannot be reached. The county pledged to pay just compensation as required by law.

The board’s action follows an engineer update reporting ongoing road work across the county: contract rock hauling recently completed with 15,000 tons moved in four days; work on Ewart Road (F46) is scheduled to begin the week of April 6; a bridge project south of Deep River on 520th Avenue is underway; and the 16th Avenue project is expected to go to bid on April 21.

Exhibit A to the resolution provides a legal description of a proposed permanent right-of-way strip in Section 35 and lists that described strip as containing approximately 0.03 acres. The resolution states the improvements may include roadway widening, grading, drainage and shoulder work and authorizes county staff to take necessary steps to implement the project and secure required permits.

The board’s resolution frames the acquisition as necessary to promote the safety and convenience of the traveling public. It also affirms that the county will attempt good-faith negotiations with affected property owners before pursuing condemnation.

No public comments or objections are recorded in the transcript segments that cover the resolution; the board adopted the measure during its regular session and moved on to other agenda items.