Commissioners say restricted bridge funds can be tapped for immediate flood repairs, urge formal appropriation steps

Highway staff described multiple bridges damaged by recent flooding and identified at least one culvert/box structure that needs replacement. Commissioners said the county has restricted bridge money and a rainy-day contribution for highway use that together amount to roughly $1 million and that some bridge replacements could be advanced if staff follow formal procedures for additional appropriations and reimbursement applications.

Officials stressed the need to document damage and pursue state and federal reimbursement programs. One participant noted that the county had already submitted a multi‑million-dollar request to the state for flood-related road damage and that, where funds are available in restricted bridge accounts, the county could approve an additional appropriation and proceed to replace structures quickly so long as the auditor's office receives proper documentation for later reimbursement.