Big Horn County approves pursuit of federal Safe Streets planning grant, sets $4,000 for application

The Big Horn County Commission voted May 20 to pursue a federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) planning grant and to establish a $4,000 line item to cover application expenses.

Commissioner Dave Neves moved to authorize pursuit of the planning grant and to create the $4,000 account; the motion was seconded and carried. Road and Bridge staff said the planning grant would fund a long-term road safety plan for the county and could position the county to apply for construction grants later.

Bridges, speaking for Road and Bridge, introduced engineer Steve Welling of Pryor Mountain Engineering and said Big Horn County fits the SS4A need-based criteria. Welling estimated about one week of staff time to prepare and submit the application. Bridges said typical federal grant requirements—grant assurances, competitive bidding and other administrative rules—would apply but he was not aware of additional long-term maintenance requirements beyond standard federal conditions.

Bridges also noted accurate, up-to-date traffic counts will be necessary for the application; he said the department previously had access to one state counter for a limited period and has requested additional counters in the 2025–26 budget.

The commission’s authorization did not include a formal contract award; commissioners approved only the pursuit of the planning grant and establishment of the application-cost line item.