Board staff discussed coordinated infrastructure work intended to support industry and future development in northern Columbia County, including plans for a Bell Road extension, an application for federal rail‑crossing funds and a proposal to extend utilities along U.S. 41 to the industrial park.

Staff described the Bell Road extension concept as a realignment that would close an existing crossing, create a single crossing point and extend Bell Road across to U.S. 41. The primary near‑term funding opportunity identified for rail safety is Section 130 funds, which staff described as federal Highway Administration money administered through the Florida Department of Transportation for rail‑crossing safety improvements. Staff said Section 130 funding is matched to projects by ranking and a federal rail inspector’s on‑site safety determination.

Separately, staff outlined a plan to submit a state growth grant to fund utility extensions — water, sewer and gas — from Bell Street under U.S. 41 north to the industrial park (the IPN) to serve additional industry and housing. Staff estimated the distance to be under a mile and said prior high‑level traffic work exists for the corridor; more detailed traffic analysis or intersection improvements could be required to support increased truck traffic.

The county manager also noted a related rail‑extension grant application for a parcel at the industrial park, submitted to the state and now under review. That application supports a prospective steel‑processing company that has submitted an offer on the land and remains in active conversations with county and state officials; staff said the company continues to work through power and other site questions and is planning a potential October visit by company representatives.

Staff cautioned that grant pools are competitive and that some programs receive more requests than available funds; they recommended advancing the applications to position the county for funding when awards are made.