County approves Fisher Bridge contract with state off-system bridge program; vice chair authorized to sign certifications

The Osage County Board of Commissioners approved signing a state contract for the Fisher Bridge under the state's off-system bridge program and authorized the vice chair to sign required participant certifications.

Ryan Fine (S6), who presented the contract, described the Fisher Bridge — south of Superior — and told commissioners the state would cover most costs while the county is responsible for local land purchase, utility relocations and initial engineering. Fine said the contract was prepared for the 2027 construction cycle and noted typical state requirements, including signature pages for county representatives.

County legal staff (S7) reviewed the contract language and advised the board of a standard clause: "if the state advances money and we cancel the contract, we'd have to pay them back." After legal review, Commissioner Les moved and a commissioner seconded approval for the county to sign the state contract for the Fisher Bridge (project number 70CDash5404Dash01). The motion carried by voice vote.

The board also approved a separate motion authorizing the vice chair to sign attached certifications required by the contract package — including the Federal Funds lobbying certification and declarations regarding debarment/eligibility and civil judgments. Legal staff advised commissioners these certifications are contract attachments and standard for federally associated projects.

Commissioners directed staff to route the contract to county staff for signatures and to file the certifications with the executed contract. Staff noted some contract attachments are for state legal counsel and external parties and that signatures from at least two commissioners will be accommodated per the state's signature requests.