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County backs rail crossing grant and approves bridge design contract amid wider bridge prioritization
Summary
Clay County commissioners approved letters supporting a federal rail-crossing grant and a Highway 36 Bridge Investment Program application, authorized a design agreement for a timber bridge (CASAW 21) rated at five tons, and adopted bridge-priority resolutions to qualify structures for bond funding.
The Clay County Board approved a package of transportation actions at its June 11 meeting, signaling support for both a federal rail grant application and multiple bridge projects.
Highway engineer Justin identified the rail crossing as Cassad 23, just north of the county landfill, and asked for a letter of support for a federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) application. "So this is MDOT applying for another rail crossing grant... it is on Cassad 23 just north of the landfill," Justin said. The board approved the letter of support by voice vote (motion by Commissioner Bear; second by Commissioner Campbell).
Justin also briefed the board on a multijurisdictional Bridge Investment Program application led by Pulk County to bundle three Red River crossings (Klay/Clay County, adjacent Minnesota and North Dakota counties). He said federal funding could cover about 80% of replacements and recommended a letter of support for the Highway 36 bridge application; the board approved that letter.
On a separate but related action, the board authorized contracting with Houston Engineering for design work on CASAW 21, a timber bridge that MDOT’s load-rating work reduced to a five‑ton restriction. Justin said the design contract will keep the reconstruction on a 2027 timeline and help make the project eligible for bond funding. The motion to approve the agreement carried by voice vote (motion by Commissioner Bear; second by Commissioner Ebinger).
The board also adopted two bridge-priority resolutions required to be eligible for state bridge-bonding funds (deficient bridge resolution 2026-10 and the county/township structures resolution 2026-11). Commissioners discussed the term "deficient bridge" and eligibility thresholds; Justin explained the Local Planning Index criteria and which bridges are currently eligible.
The county directed communications staff to prepare public messaging and detour information for forthcoming closures and phased projects, including drone flyovers and GIS maps to inform residents of detour routes and staging.
