Commissioners approve state-funded Fisher Bridge contract, authorize certifications

Osage County commissioners voted to approve and sign a state off-system bridge contract for the Fisher Bridge, a small span south of Superior selected for funding in the 2027 cycle. County legal counsel noted the contract is standard for state-funded off-system bridge projects and highlighted a repayment risk if the county cancels after the state advances funds.

Ryan, who presented the application and contract, described the scope and timing: “This bridge is Fisher Bridge up by, South Of Superior,” and said the state will cover inspections, environmental work and much of the construction while the county must cover land purchase, moving costs, utilities and initial engineering. County counsel reviewed contract provisions and recited the project identifier as project number 70-5404-01 and described standard debarment and federal-lobbying certifications that also need signatures.

Commissioner Les moved to approve signing the bridge contract; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. The board then voted to authorize the vice chair to sign the federal-funds lobbying certification and a participant debarment/eligibility certification required by the state.

The county agreed staff will circulate the required signature pages and follow up so the contract can be returned to the state for processing. The county also discussed obtaining support letters from nearby municipalities for other bridge applications and noted that some projects are resubmitted in later cycles when funding is limited.