Highway department reports bridge work, FLAP project and ARPA stormwater completions

Miss Miranda, presenting the Highway Department’s first‑quarter report, told the commission the Green Bridge project is closed out and reassembly at the campus finished ahead of schedule. She said invoices are paid and the historic marker and trail marker were installed.

On the red bridge, Miranda said the Forest Service has advertised the old structure as part of the historic‑preservation process; the county is designing the new bridge to incorporate the trusses even if an alternate use is not approved. The Hawkins family requested a third‑party appraisal for Hawkins Bridge; the county has commissioned a MODOT‑qualified appraiser and walked the site with family members who have used the land for reunions.

Miranda said the Chadwick Road project is proceeding under the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP): staff issued an RFQ, ranked Wilson as their top structural design firm, and await MDOT concurrence and contract review prior to bringing a contract to the commission. She described right‑of‑way negotiations for Sanders Valley, Cottonwood resurfacing starting in the coming weeks, and ongoing consultant work on several stormwater and road‑improvement projects.

The presentation listed prior ARPA spending of roughly $2.5 million for stormwater construction completed last year and noted five design projects funded locally that must be wrapped up before year’s end. Miranda also reported in‑house accomplishments such as snow‑response work, approximately $101,000 of asphalt work and $35,000 of other repairs in Q1, and a high closure rate on service requests (72 requests, 97% closed).

Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about owner appraisals, timelines and whether recent storms were affecting project priorities; staff said FEMA review remains outstanding on Holder Road box culvert work. There were no formal votes attached to the presentation beyond routine acknowledgment and questions.