Road and bridge head seeks KDOT extension for $2 million BUILD award; OS63 bridge repair scope discussed

Kurt Demel, head of Road & Bridge/Noxious Weed/Zoning, briefed the Pawnee County commissioners on a BUILD grant application and related KDOT Economic Development Program funds at the Jan. 19 meeting.

Demel said the county needs a letter of extension for the KDOT funds to allow the BUILD award announcement to proceed. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a letter of extension to the Kansas Department of Transportation for the $2 million grant. Demel said he has a meeting scheduled with Hometown Grants consultant Christy Crews on Jan. 23 to advance the application.

Demel also presented a field assessment for the OS63 bridge. After consulting with engineering firm Kirkham Michael, he told the board he believes county crews can repair the structure using new pilings; he will obtain material quotes and return with cost estimates. The board discussed right-of-way and permitting procedures; Demel noted that permits and right-of-way paperwork must be recorded in the Register of Deeds. Commissioners also discussed that reducing speed limits in a township would require an engineering study and a formal resolution.

No formal vote on bridge repairs was recorded; the only recorded action in this section was approval of the KDOT extension letter to preserve the BUILD grant award window.