Highway director outlines $493,129 direct distribution and flags equipment replacements

A highway department director briefed the budget committee on recent changes to the state’s Community Crossings funding and on county equipment needs.

The director said the state changed how Community Crossings funds are distributed, reducing prior caps and creating direct disbursements; the county received $493,129.17 in a special fund and is therefore eligible to apply for roughly $505,107 in competitive funding under the new structure. "We received $493,129.17," he said, and cautioned that the special fund currently includes restrictions the county is still clarifying.

He also described persistent equipment problems, particularly with boom mowers, and asked for replacement funding for two mowers next year and additional repair money if needed. The director described design work on a US 40 project and an intersection improvement at Old 40 and Darwin, noting utility coordination has delayed bids.

Committee discussion included whether to encumber funds this year or budget the appropriation next year and how the direct distribution will affect competitive applications.