County receives #036;400k grant for road repairs
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 12, 2004
County Engineer Dennis McCall gave the Butler County Commission a great deal of good news in Monday's meeting.
McCall first announced the Industrial Access Project to the new Industrial Park was nearing completion.
McCall said things would be shaping up even further in the near future.
"The Industrial Access Project at the Industrial Park is 95 percent completed," said McCall. "The paving and dirt work has been done. What were lacking now is center line striping, right of way markers and signs."
McCall said another month should see the project at completion.
"The striping is scheduled for this week," said McCall. "Hopefully, this project can be closed out by the end of the month."
McCall also officially announced the awarding of an ADECCA grant.
"We were awarded by ADECCA a $400,000 grant for four roads," said McCall. "Montezuma Road, Blue Round Road, Hall Road and Royal Crest Road."
McCall said the total estimate of the project was to be $658,000.
Many had voiced their opinions that these roads were not the most in need of attention around the county.
McCall explained that this is not how the grant works. Before applying for the grant the county decides which roads to repair ahead of time. They choose the roads having the best chance of getting the grant based on specific characteristics.
"These roads have no more priority than our other roads," said McCall. "They were just the best fit, Demographics and income effect which roads will be chosen."
McCall said they look carefully to determine which roads will be the best fit.
"What we do with help are income surveys, cost estimates and we use that information to help establish what our best chances are," said McCall. "What can help the most people? Roads were picked before the grant application."
In other business the commission:
N Approved Terra Engineering to compile a 10 year Solid Waste Plan for Butler County
N Approved a Resolution to accept Bob Luman's Hazard Mitigation Plan.
N Approved payment of $50 to E.R. Hudson regarding a funeral bill for an Indigent Citizen.
Commissioner Frank Hickman closed the meeting by thanking those in attendance for their interest.
"I just appreciate the fact that people are here taking an interest in the county government," said Hickman. Commissioner Dan Robinson agreed and added he hoped with the growth in industry moving closer more citizens would prepare themselves to take the jobs.
"The county is moving forward," said Robinson. "I hope the young people will prepare for the jobs that come with it."
The commission will next meet on Monday Aug. 23 at 8 a.m. to hold a budget hearing.