Lee County hears $2 million federal funding progress for county building project

County staff updated the board on progress toward funding and next steps for a county building/highway project, saying congressional advocacy has produced legislative support for $2,000,000 in proposed funding.

Jeremy told board members that Congressman Wood had been a “phenomenal advocate” and, after three years of effort, had been able to secure support for $2,000,000 that has passed preparatory committee stages. “He’s been able to… get $2,000,000, towards this,” Jeremy said, adding that the money still must be signed into law during the budget process and that the county will then reapply through USDA’s program to receive the funds.

Staff said the county is continuing architectural drawings and anticipates going out for construction bids once federal funding and USDA steps are in place. The timeline described aims toward construction in roughly the third quarter of next year if the funding and approvals fall into place.

No final contract awards or budget appropriations were made at the meeting; the update was informational and procedural.