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Commission approves road inspection contract, grant study and construction award amid rising material costs
Summary
The county approved a $52,000 FY26 agreement with First Step Data Stream for road inspections, joined an ARC/APPLE grant planning study for the Sandy Road–Argo Margaret intersection, and awarded a $275,697 contract to Jones Contracting for an equipment storage building; commissioners noted material-price pressures for steel and PVC.
The St. Clair County Commission approved several transportation and infrastructure items during its regular meeting, including a $52,000 FY26 agreement with First Step Data Stream to provide grade and inspection services for roughly 670 miles of county right-of-way. The contract is intended to standardize grading data and support grant applications.
Commissioners also approved participation in a regional planning ARC/APPLE grant study to analyze relocating the intersection of Sandy Road and Argo Margaret Road; the county's share was presented as part of the application process. Separately, the commission awarded Public Works Bid 2026-35 for an equipment storage building to Jones Contracting for $275,697. Participants noted the structure is a steel-frame building (not a pole barn) and discussed the effect of rising material prices on construction costs.
Engineer Stan reported active paving work under way (scrub seal operations, milling on Tunnel Mountain, and continuing shoulder work) and explained that some busier roads will receive a secondary surface after scrub sealing. Commissioners asked about the timetable for projects such as work on Sandy Road and noted coordination with contractors to minimize disruption.
Why it matters: The agreements and contract award directly fund maintenance and capital construction that affect safety and the county's eligibility for state and federal grant funding.
What's next: Staff will monitor contractor schedules, complete the grant application work with the regional planning commission, negotiate procurement for the Wolf Creek cleanup because no timely bids were received, and proceed with construction work after contractors mobilize.
