Lincoln County signs interlocal to join Saline County's multi-county bridge grant application

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners authorized the chair on Sept. 8 to sign an interlocal agreement allowing Lincoln County to participate in a bundled Bridge Improvement Program (BIP) application led by Saline County.

Jason Schultz, highway superintendent, said the bundled application includes nine counties and 12 bridges; Lincoln County has three bridges included in the bundle. He told the board the application process is all-or-nothing (the bundle is evaluated as a whole) and that a larger, multi-county bundle can improve competitiveness and contractor interest at letting.

Commissioners asked about project timing and learned funding decisions are expected in November; design and construction timing would follow later. Commissioners also asked whether the county would receive partial awards; staff said the program treats the bundled application as essentially all-or-nothing for this round.

The motion authorizing the chair to sign the interlocal passed by roll call. Staff said letters of support and requests for local cooperation may be coming soon as Saline County assembles the application.

Why it matters The interlocal lets Lincoln County access state bridge funding on a competitive, multi-county application that could accelerate replacement or rehabilitation of county bridges. Given recent county discussion about capital needs for bridges and roads, participating in a bundled application is one avenue to obtain external funding rather than relying solely on local dollars.

Ending If the application is successful, staff will return with further scope, schedule and funding details for affected bridges.