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Commission votes to join multi-county application for federal bridge grant to replace County Road 12 bridge
Summary
The Johnson County Commission voted June 22 to participate in a joint application to the Federal Bridge Investment Program for replacement of the County Road 12 bridge, which staff estimated at about $5.5 million with a required 25% local match. The commission approved a resolution authorizing participation; final funding and design obligations would remain with the county if the project advances.
The Johnson County Commission voted June 22 to participate in a multi-county application to the Federal Bridge Investment Program, authorizing staff to join a joint submittal led administratively by Lauderdale County.
Public works presenter Jonathan told commissioners the County Road 12 bridge, built in 1975, is 248 feet long and has deteriorating deck and supporting elements. "We foresee due to the condition of the structure [it] will probably be 13 tons or less within the next two years," Jonathan said, describing falling condition ratings on the deck, superstructure and substructure.
Staff presented an AECOM cost estimate escalated to 2030 of roughly $5.5 million for a replacement pre-stressed concrete span and said the federal grant would require a 25% local match. The county’s share was estimated at about $1.44 million. Jonathan emphasized the program is reimbursable and that, under the proposed arrangement, the lead agency would submit reimbursement requests on the county’s behalf: the county would pay contractor invoices and then seek reimbursement from the lead agency.
Chairman Bill Nance and other commissioners discussed cash‑flow and overlap with other projects, including an ongoing Safe Streets and Roads for All effort. Commissioners asked whether joining the application obligates the county to construct the project. Staff responded the resolution recognizes the county understands the 25% match requirement but does not itself designate a funding source or irrevocably commit construction funds; commissioners were told they could later withdraw if funding proved infeasible.
After discussion, the commission set aside rules, moved a resolution to participate in the joint application, and approved it by voice vote. Chairman Bill Nance announced, "Motion carries." The commission directed staff to notify the lead agency of the county’s participation and to follow up with additional information about timing and financing options.
Next steps: Lauderdale County, as the administrating partner for the joint application, is expected to submit the package on the June 29 application date identified by staff. If the grant is awarded, the county would be responsible for engineering, plans and any cost overruns not covered by the grant.
