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Jay County commissioners approve engineering contract, commit to higher match on bridge grants and approve truck purchase
Summary
The board approved a professional services agreement with SJCA Inc. for bridge and civil-engineering work, agreed to offer up to a 30% preliminary-engineering match on two federal bridge grant applications (Bridge 177 and 178), and approved equipment and repair claims including a $134,510 dump-truck purchase and a $5,225 guardrail repair.
The Jay County Board of Commissioners approved several measures March 10 intended to accelerate bridge and roadwork planning and to maintain county fleet readiness.
Commissioners unanimously approved a professional services agreement with SJCA Inc., represented by Perry Knox, for civil engineering and grant-related services that county highway staff may use for bridge projects and INDOT work. Highway Superintendent Bob Howell identified potential immediate uses including culvert work and smaller bridge structures such as Bridge 114 and Bridge 113.
On federal bridge funding, Assistant Superintendent Stephanie Klarer told the board that Bridge #177 and #178 had poor superstructure or deck ratings and that preliminary engineering (PE) required a local match. The county’s standard PE match is 20%; Klarer asked whether the county would consider a higher local contribution to improve chances of award. Commissioner Duane Monroe moved — and the board unanimously agreed — to allow the county to offer up to 30% toward preliminary engineering costs for bridge grant applications.
Commissioners also approved several highway claims and procurements. They approved a $134,510 claim to Stoops Freightliner for a 2026 Western Star dump truck (truck #225 is being outfitted and was expected in April) and approved a $5,225 complete guardrail repair from James Drew Corporation after a semi parked near a wind turbine reportedly contributed to road and ditch damage; temporary and permanent repair costs will be submitted to the driver’s insurance. The board accepted INDOT’s final detour paperwork for State Road 18 work scheduled July 1–Nov. 15, 2025.
The board approved a Lifestream deobligation agreement related to 2023 and 2024 grants totaling $185,518 ($127,319 for 2023 and $58,199 for 2024). Commissioners approved all measures by unanimous votes.
The actions are intended to position the county to pursue federal bridge funds and to keep county roads and equipment operational while larger projects are planned.
