Board approves resolution to join federal bridge grant package; two county bridges included

Louisa County supervisors voted to approve resolution 202636 to include the county’s bridge projects in the federal Competitive Highway Bridge Program package. The county’s application resulted in two bridges being selected: the Grand View 143 bridge and the WO‑11 bridge. A supervisor estimated total replacement costs near $1.3 million and said the federal grant would likely cover about two‑thirds (roughly $870,000), leaving an estimated local match of about $430,000.

"We just got to pass this resolution," a supervisor said before moving to approve resolution 202636; the motion was seconded and the board approved the resolution and authorized the chair to sign a 28‑year agreement related to the grant. Supervisors discussed construction timing (targeting fiscal year 2029), potential weight‑limit concerns on the older pre‑cast decks, and the county’s capacity to provide matching funds. One supervisor noted the grant selection process is competitive but Iowa typically performs well in the state package.

Staff said preliminary work on the K Road bridge deck and approach is progressing and that timelines depend on NEPA and other federal clearances. The board directed staff to continue coordination with the state DOT and consultant (HDR, Inc.) preparing the grant package.