By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Dakota City, IA – The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors are approving studies to be done to better the odds of getting grant funding for a potential Murray Bridge project.
As previously reported by KHBT the county applied for federal funding to help fund a project with the bridge located in Avery Township. County Engineer Ben Loots confirms to KHBT that the project was not selected for this year’s funding opportunity.
Part of the process was studies needed to be done to get proper conservation and environmental clearances. Loots told the board of supervisors during recent discussions that to have the project done it will be required because they project effects wetlands.
The engineer informed that board that it was recommended to him that they have the studies done whether they get the grant or not. Because the initial study doesn’t have an expiration date it can be done now and updated later. The supervisors also pointed out that the cost of the study could be significantly more expensive down the road.
Following the discussions the supervisor agreed that it was best to go ahead and have the studies done.
The grant in question is the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant. Loots says the county will apply again next year after not being selected this year.