Grant County board earmarks $59,592.30 in ARPA funds for ditch spray program, residents seek notification

The Grant County Drainage Board voted March 10 to earmark $59,592.30 in ARPA funds for the countyditch spray program and authorized staff to request cost estimates from Rightway Management.

Clerk-staff reported the exact amount available: "$59,592.30," which the board directed be divided among ditches and used this year because the ARPA allocation expires at year-end. Raymond was authorized to request estimates and prepare a list of ditches for Rightway Management.

During public comment, Sarah Costello, president of the Heritage Village homeowners association, told the board residents want advance notification of spraying near ponds because of children, pets and concern about chemicals. "People are very concerned about what the chemicals are," she said, and asked that HOA leaders receive notice and labels for chemicals used. Molly Erling, another resident, suggested notices include a window of days and a phone number residents can call for specifics.

Board members said the usual practice has been to notify an HOA contact or representative and that the contractor will provide timing; they asked staff to coordinate notification practices with county staff and to include a contact for residents who want more detail.

Next steps: staff will compile a proposed ditch list, request estimates from Rightway Management, and prepare resident notification language and contact procedures before spraying begins.