County Received
$
1.2
Million Grant For Bridge
At 100th Street/U Road
Since the spring/summer of 2019, Greenwood County has been working to replace a bridge at 100th Street and U Road, after it was damaged during a flood event. The county originally tried to acquire funds from FEMA; however, was ultimately denied funding as FEMA stated the bridge wasn’t damaged due to the storm. The process of seeking funds through FEMA was timeconsuming and delayed the project as the county waited for answers. Since being denied, the county has been looking for ways to fund the project. On Monday of this week, Sept. 8, Greenwood County Road and Bridge Administrative Assistant Kassie Lazar shared that she had submitted grant requests for four bridges in the county recently and learned last week that Greenwood County was the recipient of a $1.2 million grant to be used for the bridge at 100th Street and U Road (also referred to as the Hazel Russell Bridge). The grant, made possible through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP), will cover 95% of the project costs and is listed for the 2026 fiscal year. Lazar believed the bridge could be constructed in 2027. An official schedule will be provided by KDOT at a later date.
Discussion was also held regarding concrete box culverts that had been previously ordered by the county. Since ordering, it was noted that project ideas had shifted; however, the county still needs to pay for the concrete blocks and schedule a time for them to be delivered. The commissioners briefly discussed options for the culverts; however, no decisions were made.
It was shared with the commission that the property at 197 KS-99 Highway, in Severy, was recently sold and questions were asked on whether or not the property needed to be re-zoned. The property is currently listed as commercial and according to County Clerk Deann McCaffree, the new property owner is looking to move their implement dealership to the new location. The commission noted that no change was needed.
In old business, commissioners heard from Jay Luthi with FCS Manufacturing, based out of Gridley, who addressed concerns regarding the culvert/bridge on EE Road, south of Highway 58. Luthi andthecommissiondiscussed various possibilities for the bridge, including making it a low-water crossing and changing the culvert to a bridge. Towards the end of the conversation, Lazar suggested that the commission contact Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood and Engineer Michael Marris to evaluate the location. Further discussion will be held at future meetings.
The Greenwood County Commissioners approved a request from Greenwood County EMS Director Brian Mongeau to spend up to $3,000 for engine repairs on Ambulance 21. Mongeau noted that the estimated cost was $2,800.
A 10-minute executive session was held with County Counselor Paul Dean to discuss legal matters, focusing on BB Road, Gardner Road, and the Greenwood/Elk County Road. No action was taken after the meeting.
The commission reviewed the treasurer’s report, as well as approving the Sept. 2 meeting minutes and the special payables totaling $15,490.38.
The commission held a fence viewing following the meeting at 2775 DD50 Road, in Fall River. Findings will be shared during their next weekly meeting.
Sept. 2 Meeting
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Greenwood County Commissioners met on Tuesday, Sept. 2, where they discussed routine business.
The commission approved the Aug. 25 meeting minutes as presented; signed the Extension Council budget; Special payables totaling $342.38; payables totaling $218,383.91; and payroll totaling $159,480.53.
In old business, Sandra Dickerson, Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) CEO shared an update with the commission. She provided financial information, including the balance sheet, profit/ loss statement, as well as sharing utilization statistics and data, noting an increase in outpatient services being provided. Dickerson also shared that the hospital is in the process of purchasing a mammography machine, further elaborating that a staff member is currently undergoing the training to be certified. By purchasing the machine, the hospital will be able to increase the number of days they can offer mammograms, as well as decrease the wait time.
Additional details regarding the hospital can be found elsewhere in this week’s edition in the GWCH Board of Trustees meeting report.
The commission held a five-minute executive session with County Counselor Dean to review revisions made to the easement at BB Road. No action was taken.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting is slated for Monday, Sept. 15, at 9 a.m., at the Greenwood County Courthouse Commission meeting room.
