County approves bridge and road project awards, authorizes cultural assessment to move a stalled weir project

County engineering staff told the board that several bridge and road projects are ready to move forward pending funding and administrative actions. The board voted to accept low-bid recommendations and to establish project funds and review signatures as required by MDOT-LPA concurrence.

Why it matters: The board approved awarding the Huntington Road Bridge (LSVP-funded) to Hemphill Construction for $1,327,000.53 and asked the county president and clerk to sign necessary board orders. Staff said project funds for related MDOT-LPA work must be submitted to secure contract issuance. The board also authorized a county-funded cultural resource assessment—estimated at $3,000–$5,000—to avoid waiting six months for NRCS clearance on the Lake Washington Weir project.

What happened: County staff presented bid tabulations and recommended awards on multiple projects. After discussion, a motion to proceed with the county-funded cultural-resource assessment passed; a separate motion to accept and award the Huntington Road Bridge to Hemphill Construction carried.

Next steps: Staff will submit required documents to MDOT for concurrence, execute board orders and establish project funds. Construction timelines remain contingent on final funding and MDOT concurrence;

Closing: Board members said they hope to finish a majority of the nine bridges currently under contract in Washington County during the year, and staff indicated they will continue to seek pool funds and other state allocations to support remaining LSVP projects.