Commissioners approve $30,000 growth-policy update contract with Interstate Engineering

Roosevelt County commissioners voted May 19 to approve Interstate Engineering Task Order 15, a $30,000 contract to update the county's growth policy.

John, on the phone representing Interstate Engineering, said the county's growth policy — completed roughly five or six years ago — will be updated to reflect new census designations and emerging local land uses such as wind farms and solar developments. John emphasized the update is intended to guide orderly future growth, not to impose new restrictions on private landowners: "We're not looking at restricting anything. It's really the county's position that it's the landowner's preference on what they do with their property."

Commissioners noted the Department of Commerce prefers updates every five years for jurisdictions seeking state funding; keeping the growth policy current protects the county's eligibility for certain grants and bridge funds. The board approved the task order by voice vote and directed staff to plan public meetings to gather input as the update proceeds.

The contract is budgeted at $30,000 for Interstate Engineering to perform the required work, update maps and incorporate public feedback. Commissioners said they will review draft materials and schedule outreach events as the project proceeds.