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Kandiyohi County approves 2026 bridge replacement resolution, flags large funding gap
Summary
The County Board adopted Resolution 2026‑10 to submit a list of local bridges for state bridge bonding. Public Works Director Mel Odens said only bridges rated below 60 are eligible; one county bridge closed and will be replaced this summer at roughly $1 million, but local annual bridge funds are about $180,000, creating a funding gap.
The Kandiyohi County Board voted Feb. 3 to adopt Resolution 2026‑10, the county’s annual bridge replacement program list, after a presentation by Public Works Director Mel Odens.
Odens told the board the resolution lists roughly 30 local bridges and maps them by eligibility; eligibility is determined by a local planning index and only bridges scoring below 60 qualify for bridge replacement funding. He said the county has one closed bridge — to be replaced this summer — and one nearby bridge expected to become eligible next year.
Commissioner Embek asked about a highlighted line item of $5,246,000 and whether those funds come from local sales tax or other local sources. Odens said local funds include sales‑tax revenue and that for county‑city bridges funding often uses a 50/50 split between bridge funds and state aid; township contributions are smaller. Odens emphasized that local annual bridge receipts are modest (about $180,000 per year), so the county will pursue state bridge bonding to cover million‑dollar replacements.
Commissioner Embek moved to adopt Resolution 2026‑10; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board will sign and forward the resolution to state officials for bridge bonding consideration. No detailed funding plan beyond the resolution was adopted at the meeting.
