(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors held their regular weekly/end of month meeting this (Friday) morning. During their meeting last week, the Board heard from Engineer Trent Wolken, with regard to a move by the NRCS to accept a bid from Jorgensen Dirt Works, for the Crooked Creek 5C pipe replacement project. At that time, the Board elected to see if Wolken could obtain requests for quotes.

Cass County Secondary Roads Department Technician Dennis Vogl said Jorgensen Dirt Works was the lowest bidder at $18,326. He recommended, and the Board moved to approve, the bid. On a related note, the Board also acted to pass a Resolution to Vacate an Excess Right-Of-Way (ROW). The area lies around bridge #319, and is more than what is needed. Rich Hansen, Assistant to Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken explained.

Trent Wolken said last week, that he would like to vacate and then purchase the ROW needed for the bridge project. He said at that time, that it was technically an easement that was never called into play, and that there is no bearing on the current bridge. The Board tabled the Resolution last week, until Wolken could speak with the land owner. The Cass County Supervisors passed also, a Resolution for participation in the Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) grant application process, which is part of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the Federal Transportation Bill.

Rich Hansen explained the program provides a total of Five-to Six-Billion dollars in grants across the U-S, over a span of the next five-years.

The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. In the past, the County has used Safety Funds in the past.

The Boards of Supervisors in Guthrie, Montgomery and Pottawattamie County are among those in the area that have already approved their participation in the grant process.

In other business, Cass County Veterans Affairs Director Mitch Holmes presented the Board with his Quarterly Veteran’s Affairs Report. And General Assistance Director Debbie Schuler presented also, her June GA/Mental Health report for June, 2022.