Commissioners accept Waterways Improvement Fund grant for boat shed

Jefferson County commissioners on July 6 approved accepting a Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) grant to build a drive-through boat shed intended to store marine equipment and protect it from weather.

Richard, who introduced the agenda item after the Chair invited him to speak, said the state grant requires structures be used for waterway improvements rather than office space and showed the proposed 60-by-65-foot footprint. He said the county had advertised the project for bids and identified local contractors that could respond. "It shows the the match..." Richard said while reviewing the project paperwork and matching requirements. Commissioners asked staff to verify bid notices and to ensure the grant-funded area was clearly separated from any additional county-funded bays so follow-up audits would distinguish grant-eligible work from later county additions.

The board voted to accept the grant and authorized county signatures on the contract documents. Staff noted the project’s projected total cost and match figures in the packet and said the county planned to sign multiple copies so one could be left with administrative staff. County staff and commissioners also discussed a practical change approach — build the grant-funded portion now and add a county-funded bay later, or document the addition as separate work — to reduce the risk of noncompliance during state follow-up visits.

Next steps: staff will finalize signatures, verify grant submittal logistics and proceed with the advertised procurement. If bids come in above estimates, commissioners said they will report back before awarding a construction contract.