Lincoln County public works staff told the board Oct. 1 that federal preliminary engineering funds require the county to demonstrate valid right-of-way for a portion of South Drift Creek Road and asked the board to initiate a legalization process.

Public Works reported it has received a Federal Highway Administration award for preliminary engineering tied to the project and that initial survey research showed the county’s recorded right-of-way does not match the physical roadway. The department asked the board to authorize steps to make the legal right-of-way commensurate with the existing roadway, whether or not construction proceeds.

Commissioners indicated support and asked counsel to prepare an order. County Counsel said the board could expect an order or decision to be returned on Oct. 15. The board gave consensus to bring the item back to the Oct. 15 meeting with an order initiating the legalization or a decision about next steps.

No formal adoption occurred at the Oct. 1 meeting; the action taken was consensus to return with a formal order on Oct. 15. The county engineer and public works staff will provide the necessary documentation and an initiating order at the next meeting.