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Benton County declares emergency to speed Hanks Road repairs after culvert failure
Summary
Commissioners declared an emergency to waive competitive bidding so the county can expedite repairs to a collapsing culvert and sinkhole on Hanks Road; deputy county administrator described a roughly 20-foot-diameter sinkhole and said crews have closed the road for safety.
Benton County commissioners approved a declaration of emergency on April 28 to waive competitive bidding requirements and expedite repairs to a failing culvert and a growing sinkhole on Hanks Road.
Deputy county administrator Rasmussen told the board crews discovered a plugged or collapsed culvert that led to water buildup and later a sinkhole about 20 feet in diameter and 6 to 8 feet deep. The road was closed for safety. Rasmussen said the county is removing asphalt and doing as much work in-house as possible but needs the ability to contract quickly if outside help is required.
"We're gonna do as much of the work as we can ourselves, but we're gonna make continued evaluations as we go," Rasmussen said. He described the culvert as likely 40 to 50 years old and said debris and irrigation runoff may have contributed to early failure.
Commissioners discussed maintenance policy and the county's vac truck investment for cleaning culverts. A commissioner moved and the board approved the emergency declaration and waiver of competitive bidding by voice vote.
The declaration allows staff to solicit quotes and enter contracts without a sealed bidding process to speed repairs ahead of fruit harvest season; no contract award or vendor was announced at the meeting.
