Board approves CHBP funding agreement for 578th Avenue bridge, authorizes signatures

Jackson County supervisors unanimously approved a funding agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for a Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) award covering up to $528,000 for the planned replacement of the bridge on 578th Avenue.

Jaden Sheck of the engineer's office told the board the awarded amount will cover roughly 80% of the bridge cost, with the county responsible for a 20% local match. The project will be bundled with other nearby bridge projects for letting and construction. "Our bridge on 578th Avenue is awarded amount up to, $528,000," Sheck said, adding that the federal share significantly reduces the county’s out-of-pocket cost while delivering a concrete-slab bridge.

Supervisor Mike Steiner moved to approve the funding agreement and authorize the chair and auditor to sign; other supervisors seconded the motion and all voted in favor. The engineer also updated the board on a pending CHBP application due at the end of July that would include two additional county bridges and said staff has been gathering letters of support from stakeholders.

Sheck briefed the board on construction schedules for other ongoing bridge and paving projects and cautioned that timelines depend on weather and subcontractor availability. The board asked staff to circulate maps and continue outreach for letters of support on the upcoming grant application. The motion recorded at the meeting authorized the chair and auditor to execute the agreement, enabling the department to move toward letting and construction coordination.