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Highway commissioner outlines $7.1M budget, federal grants and major projects for 2026
Summary
The highway commissioner reviewed the department's approximate $7.1 million budget, highlighted more than $2 million in federal funding for County G paving and an upcoming McCarthy Creek bridge replacement, and warned of rising equipment and material costs that are straining operations.
The Ashland County Highway Commissioner told the Highway Committee the department’s total 2026 budget is about $7.1 million and described a mix of county levy, state transportation aid and federal grants that fund maintenance and major projects.
The commissioner said federal aid this year includes just over $2 million for County G paving and additional funds earmarked for the McCarthy Creek bridge replacement; he noted the previous year included approximately $900,000 in federal money for a Madeline Island riprap project. State highway maintenance and a maintenance contract with the state bring additional revenue (the commissioner cited roughly $1,080,000 annually from state maintenance agreements).
On operations, the commissioner said the department manages roughly 180 county lane miles plus about 250 lane miles of state trunk highways and operates three facilities: the main shop in Highbridge and satellite shops in Glidden and Ashland. He listed a total equipment value of about $3.9 million and facility book value of roughly $2.5 million.
The commissioner highlighted material and procurement pressure since 2020: "A 4 foot section last year was $400, and this year, they're $1,500," he said of certain plow-blade sections, attributing the jump to carbide costs, tariffs and global supply pressures. The department also is recruiting for two full-time positions and one remaining summer help slot, with the goal of being fully staffed by winter.
Major near-term projects cited included County Highway H final restoration, County M repaving (contracted to Northwoods), an expected closure of County G for the McCarthy Creek bridge replacement after preconstruction, and state-led paving on Highway 77 from Melen to the Iron County line targeted for August.
The commissioner said federal projects are administered through the DOT and typically require more engineering and compliance than locally funded projects, which can raise project costs. He urged committee members to consider a departmental presentation to the full county board during budget season so supervisors understand the department’s needs.
Outcome and next steps: committee members asked follow-up questions about salt inventories, staffing and project schedules. The commissioner will proceed with preconstruction meetings and bring budget-related items back during the county budget process.
