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Jackson County engineer says federal grant could cover most of planned 578th Avenue bridge replacement
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Summary
County Engineer Jaden Sheckwell told the board that a joint Iowa application to the federal Competitive Highway Bridge Program was awarded and that Jackson County’s 578th Avenue bridge is eligible for up to $528,000 in federal funds, with an 80% federal / 20% local match; the project will be bundled with Dubuque County and Dyersville for bidding.
Jackson County Engineer Jaden Sheckwell told the Board of Supervisors on April 14 that a joint Iowa submission to the federal Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) was selected and that Jackson County’s planned replacement of the bridge on 578th Avenue is included.
"The federal grant portion is up to, like, $528,000 for that bridge," Sheckwell said, adding that CHBP grants are generally structured as an 80% federal share with a 20% local match. He said the county’s bridge is already in the five‑year replacement program and that using the CHBP funds would allow the county to build a concrete slab bridge rather than the smaller day‑labor solution originally planned.
Sheckwell said the Iowa submittal was large and that Jackson County’s project will be bundled with Dubuque County and the city of Dyersville so the three bridges are let and bid as a single contract. He cautioned that the county cannot finalize award acceptance independently because the projects must be coordinated with partner jurisdictions and comply with grant obligation timelines.
Board members responded positively, noting the reduced local cost and the chance to leverage federal funding for a more durable structure. Sheckwell said the engineering office will coordinate scheduling and bidding with the partner jurisdictions and ensure grant obligation deadlines are met.
Next steps: county staff will work with Dubuque County and the city of Dyersville on the joint letting and timing, and the project will proceed through the county’s usual bidding and construction scheduling process once partners set a letting date.
