The board approved MnDOT agency agreement #1062832 to reimburse the county an estimated $1,256,604 for construction engineering on the CSAH 9 bridge replacement over the Blue Earth River; staff said bids are advertised and award is expected in September.

County public works updated commissioners on design options, permitting (FERC/SHPO/DNR) and a revised FEMA hypothetical repair cost of $28,054,147; staff said they are advancing multiple design options to avoid FEMA amendment delays.

The commissioners awarded contracts for a 2026 overlay project, a sign truck chassis and two electric pickups, renewed trail sponsor agreements, and received project updates including a dam removal project with a FEMA‑related deadline of June 28, 2028 to have an awarded contract and started work to strengthen an extension case.

Public Works recommended and the board approved multiple 2026 maintenance contracts (striping, asphalt emulsion, gravel hauling), awarded the 53rd Avenue reconstruction contract to Holtmire Construction, and accepted MDOT bridge and LRIP grants including a $1.5 million competitive award for Cass/3rd Avenue.

The board awarded a 2026 gravel crushing contract to Martin Marietta at $7.50/ton, accepted an MnDOT carbon-reduction grant to purchase two electric pickups (80% of cost up to $120,000), and received updates on multiple road and bridge grants, including a $1.5 million LRIP award and bridge grant funding.

Public works told the board the Cassaw 9 bridge faces rising steel costs and a funding gap; TKDA and county staff seek additional federal funds. Staff also reported coordination with FERC and FEMA on dam reporting, license surrender and grant constraints affecting private-property stabilization.

Public works staff reviewed technical progress on the Casa 9 bridge replacement and Rapidan Dam removal, including foundation design choices, environmental reviews and a recommendation that corrosion‑resistant rebar be considered to extend bridge life.