County approves Banner agreement amendment for 214th Street design under RTA grant

The Brookings County Commission approved an amendment to the Banner Associates contract for the 214th Street feasibility and H&H study (Agreement 26-50), updating terms so the project complies with federal Rural Transportation Authority grant requirements.

A staff member noted the county received a $1.6 million rural tribal grant to fund design work only; construction funding is not included. Banner representative William Blasius urged forming an advisory committee that could include county commissioners, the South Dakota Department of Transportation and the City of Aurora to help the project remain timely and meet RTA reporting requirements. "I would encourage a committee to be formed from the county commission or at least members," Blasius said. He stressed timeliness of milestones and cooperation between county staff and the consultant to keep the project competitive for future federal construction grants.

The commission voted to approve the contract amendment, with staff noting the amendment allows continued use of Banner (no new RFP required) and clarifies federal contract language and reporting obligations.