Commissioners authorize $319,000 in engineering for County Road 39 reconstruction

County staff presented an agreement with engineering firm WSB, using the county's existing general bidding contract, to begin preliminary and final design for the Casa 19 (County Road 39) reconstruction from Modine Avenue to Nashua Avenue in Otsego. Staff said the design contract totals just over $319,000 and is intended to keep the project on schedule to compete for approximately $1.8 million in federal funding projected for 2029.

A commissioner asked whether the funds authorized were already budgeted; staff clarified the authorization is for outside engineering costs within the project scope and is covered by previously identified project funding. A motion to authorize the WSB engineering services was made, seconded and approved unanimously.

The board recorded no conditions on the authorization; staff will proceed with the design contract and continue to pursue federal funding opportunities tied to the project.