Grant County awards asphalt contracts, approves Bridge 791 right-of-way purchase

Grant County commissioners on March 16 approved awarding the county’s 2026 asphalt bed and liquid asphalt work to Brooks Construction and authorized a small right-of-way purchase needed for Bridge 791.

Highway Director Mr. White presented the bids opened earlier and recommended Brooks Construction for both asphalt bed and liquid asphalt materials for 2026. Commissioners approved the recommendation by voice vote after a motion and second.

White also sought approval to acquire a parcel needed for the Bridge 791 project — described in the meeting as a right-of-way purchase with an immediate offer of $1,750. The board moved, seconded and approved the purchase so staff may complete acquisition and proceed with bridge development.

White reviewed a preliminary list of roads targeted for the year’s paving program (including locations in Pleasant and Washington townships and subdivisions such as Indian Village and Chaney Hills) and explained the county gets better per-ton pricing on larger projects (noting cost savings when production exceeds 1,000 tons per day). He requested United perform a two-page update on bridge inspections (Oct–Sept 2025 inspections) and to present to the board on April 6.

Separately, the board approved a $3,992.86 change order to TKE for four additional smoke detectors in elevator lobbies and approved a recorder-requested quote for new shelving to protect historical record books, both by voice vote.