Harrison County authorizes NET RMA grant application for Lancing Switch road reconstruction

Harrison County commissioners on May 23 authorized staff to submit a NET RMA priority project application for reconstruction of Lancing Switch, a roughly 3.8‑mile corridor running from U.S. 80 to FM 968 that crosses I‑20.

County Road & Bridge lead Mr. Davis told the court the corridor met NET RMA thresholds because multiple intersections carry 11,000–12,000 vehicles per week, the route serves about 463 properties and the county assessor records about $36 million in taxable property along the corridor. "This is the sixth busiest road that we've got in Harrison County," Davis said, arguing it would be the county's best shot for grant funding.

Commissioners discussed precinct priorities and the benefit of using grant funds to free up county dollars to maintain other roads. "If we get this grant that just frees up money you know to spend in these other areas," Commissioner Malin said. Staff said the county hopes the grant will cover the project fully but noted prior grants sometimes provided partial funding.

The court voted unanimously to authorize submission of the NET RMA application and to empower the County Judge to execute any necessary documents if the award is made. The application was described as competitive and focused on corridors with heavy traffic and multiple intersections; staff emphasized contracting out the work if fully funded because the county lacks the necessary equipment and personnel for a project of this scale.

Next steps: staff will submit the application and, if awarded, return with documentation for contract execution and details on scope and funding share.