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Ottawa County discusses an 80/20 bridge grant and road-clearing challenges after winter storms
Summary
Public Works Director Chris Smith told commissioners that Cloud County plans to apply for a grant to repair a county-line bridge and asked Ottawa County to consider cost-sharing; Smith also detailed snow‑clearing operations and equipment limits after a recent storm.
The Ottawa County commission discussed a possible inter-county bridge grant and reviewed recent road-and-bridge operations during its Jan. 26 meeting.
Chris Smith, Public Works Director, said Cloud County contacted Ottawa County about a bridge that Cloud County owns on a road Ottawa maintains along the county line. Cloud County intends to apply for grant funding and asked to negotiate a split of the local match. "The grant is an 80/20 grant," Smith said; he noted Ottawa County will not know project costs until Cloud County completes the grant application. Commissioners indicated interest in further talks with Cloud County.
Smith also gave a road-and-bridge update after recent snowfall. He told the commission the department had been pushing snow over the weekend, that the county does not operate an overnight crew, and that blade equipment can gel in cold conditions, limiting operations. Smith said crews worked Sunday and Monday morning and typically travel about 20 mph during clearing. Commissioner Scott Mortimer praised the work in his area.
No vote or intergovernmental agreement was approved; staff were directed to gather more information and continue discussions with Cloud County and county attorneys.
