County pursues multiple fish‑passage grant applications, authorizes emergency contract for Barnes Drive repair

County Engineer Susan Eugenis updated the commissioners on a suite of public‑works projects and grant applications.

Eugenis said the county completed a countywide delineator replacement project for $154,886, approximately $5,000 under bid, funded primarily through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). She then described a proposed amendment of $45,500 to an engineering contract for the Riderwood supplemental water‑source project; that change is intended to meet federal reporting and archaeological study requirements to secure more than $1,000,000 in congressionally‑delegated funds.

On fish‑passage work, Eugenis said the county is submitting multiple applications for the Brian Abbott Fish Passage program: several design‑only projects and one construction project, with design costs for a larger site estimated at about $815,000. She said the applications were being finalized for submittal and that awards would be determined through a state ranking process and, if successful, funded in a future biennium.

Eugenis also briefed the board on an emergency contract for the Barnes Drive repair. The contract is a unit‑price contract for $646,325; crews are working to bring surface levels and coordinate paving with a private quarry (Lakeside) when conditions allow. “So our contract is for $646,325,” Eugenis said, and staff expect to reach the specified gravel level this week and then decide whether to proceed with paving depending on availability and weather.

Commissioners were reminded to avoid active construction zones for safety and to await coordination from public‑works staff. Staff said applications and federal coordination steps will be brought forward as required by grant timelines and that design and matching‑fund requirements will factor into local commitments.