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Board approves cultural survey, greenlights first phase of Flat River Road sidewalk project
Summary
The St. Francois County board voted to approve a scope-of-work estimate for a required cultural (archaeological) survey from Environmental Research Center LLC tied to the federally funded Flat River Road sidewalk project; staff said the review could take up to 12 months and some local match costs will be passed through to the contractor.
The St. Francois County board voted to approve a scope-of-work estimate from Environmental Research Center LLC to perform a cultural (archaeological) survey for phase 1 of the Flat River Road sidewalk project.
The board’s Chair presented the scope, saying the study will “identify the extent possible and potential impacts to prehistoric and historic period cultural resources,” and that the work will include a literature review, field investigations, artifact analysis and reporting. Adam, a consultant with COPPOLIT, explained the federal funding triggers the review and that it can delay progress: “Within the last 18 months to 2 years, the feds have pushed not just an environmental review, it’s an environmental — a cultural review looking for any arrowheads,” he said.
Amber, a county staff member, said the county treats the consultant work as a pass-through expense to the contractor and that the county will cover its portion out of Road and Bridge budget where required. A board member estimated a direct cost the county would incur for some project elements; another member described a roughly $6,800 figure mentioned during discussion but the board agreed the safety benefits justified proceeding.
Board members and members of the public asked about the sidewalk’s route and timing. Officials said the project will begin at the Farmington city limits, proceed toward the overpass and ultimately link to Mac and Columbia Park; the project will require temporary construction easements from adjacent landowners and intergovernmental cooperation. Staff and consultants estimated the cultural review could take up to 12 months and, after right-of-way and easement work, another 12–18 months could pass before construction begins.
A motion to approve the ERC estimate for project code 606209 was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. No formal roll-call tally was provided in the transcript; the board recorded its approval by voice "ayes." The approval allows the county to begin contracting the phase‑1 work necessary to complete federal review obligations.
The board’s next steps include completing the cultural survey, obtaining any necessary temporary construction easements, and coordinating with municipal partners on right-of-way and bridge work. Staff said they will return with contract signatures and timeline updates as the study and easement process move forward.
