County approves consulting steps for Elkinsville Road Bridge (Bridge 43); federal grant covers most planning costs

Brown County commissioners approved a consulting agreement to carry Bridge 43 (Elkinsville Road) through planning and early engineering phases, with the contract now subject to county attorney review before final execution.

County staff told the board the planning phases carry consultant fees identified at $660,000. Under the award structure explained at the meeting, federal aid would cover 80% ($528,000) and Brown County's share would be about $132,000, paid against project milestones. Construction letting for the project was discussed as likely in 2029–2030; staff described the current contract as covering the early planning and professional engineering phases needed to pursue an INDOT-administered federal grant.

Staff emphasized the timing and reimbursement process: the county pays invoices as work proceeds, submits cancelled checks and vouchers to INDOT, and receives reimbursement after INDOT review. Commissioners asked about the county's portion and were told the county has budgeted for its share and that payments are made per milestone. The board approved the contract contingent on legal signoff.

Highway staff also noted the $5 million projected total bridge construction cost used for grant planning and the challenges of projecting costs several years out; commissioners directed staff to continue coordination with INDOT and with the county attorney to finalize contract language.

Next steps: legal review and signature, then continued progress on engineering deliverables with INDOT and the consultant.