Charles Mix County officials review emergency bridge damage and repair options after flooding

County officials on April 25 discussed emergency repairs for a bridge damaged during recent flooding and possible state reimbursement.

Highway Superintendent Doug Kniffen told the Charles Mix County Board of Commissioners that bridge structure no. 12-510-279, located 1.1 miles north of Wagner on 395th Avenue, sustained damage in the flooding. Kniffen and Steve Myer of Clark Engineering outlined two primary repair options: replacing the bridge’s superstructure or heat-straightening the damaged girders. They discussed repair timelines and cost considerations for each approach.

Kniffen said the county had received guidance via phone from Shane Carnahan, Emergency Relief Coordinator for the South Dakota Department of Transportation, about options and the potential for Emergency Relief reimbursement through the state DOT. Commissioners and staff discussed funding pathways but took no formal action.

Why it matters: the bridge’s condition affects local connectivity and farm-to-market access for residents north of Wagner; repair costs and eligibility for Emergency Relief funding will determine whether work can proceed quickly or requires further county budgeting. The board recorded the inspection and discussion but deferred any decision pending more detailed estimates and potential state funding.

Next steps: the county will continue to evaluate repair estimates and pursue coordination with SD DOT Emergency Relief; no motion or expenditure was adopted at the April 25 meeting.