County wins $2.81 million federal award for SR‑827/CR 200 project; highway truck replacements approved

Highway Engineer Jennifer Sharkey told the council that the county was awarded $2,813,600 in federal funds for a joint project on CR 200 N and State Road 827 with the City of Angola. The county and city will split the 20 percent local match equally; projected 2015 budget line items presented included $500,000 for professional services, $135,000 for right‑of‑way, and $380,000 for construction for the 200 & 827 project.

Sharkey also requested $63,062.50 in additional appropriations to buy replacement vehicles (two trucks) using auction proceeds; council approved the request. She reported INDOT/Economic Development Partnership may finance up to $175,000 of SR‑120 work tied to the Maple Street Extension in Orland, and cautioned that using Major Moves funds for that item would reduce funding normally available for routine road repairs.

Dan Caruso questioned whether other highway funds remained available for operating expenses; Sharkey said she did not believe there were alternatives. Council approved the appropriation and directed staff to proceed with procurement and project planning.