Howard County approves USI bridge inspection contract and small asphalt quality change order

The Howard County commissioners approved two transportation‑related items from the Highway Department.

Amber Toll presented a federally required Local Public Agency (LPA) consultant contract for bridge inspections covering 2026 through 2029. Toll said the county followed the federal procurement process and selected USI Consultants; the contract limit presented to the board was $432,031.51. After a motion and second, the board approved the contract and authorized signatures.

Toll also presented Change Order No. 6 for the "bridal 56" project to pay an asphalt quality adjustment of $2,798.40 after required testing returned a positive pay factor. Commissioners approved the change order and authorized a signature.

The highway director and commissioners exchanged thanks for recent storm and snow response coordination that involved multiple county and municipal departments.