Supervisors support Landis Bridge grant

   The Jones County Supervisors expressed their support for the Engineer's Office as they pursue a BIP (Bridge Investment Program) grant for the replacement of the Landis Road Bridge.

   During the July 12 board meeting, the board approved a letter of support to accompany the grant application. Snead said he is soliciting for multiple letters to help boost the application.

   Eight counties in Iowa are coming together in this federal application, each with their own infrastructure project.

   One of the projects in Delaware County is a new bridge over Lake Delhi near where the old dam came out after its failure in 2010. Snead explained that those assisting with the application process are looking into whether the Lake Delhi project could qualify or not because it's technically not replacing a bridge, but a dam.

   "We're looking into the technicalities with the Federal Highway Commission if it (the Lake Delhi project) would be eligible," said Snead.

   In addition, a pedestrian crossing is a requirement with the structures funded by the BIP grant. Concerning the Landis Road Bridge, Snead said there is no pedestrian traffic associated with the bridge on a normal basis.

   "There is 15 to 30 feet of usable space being doubled on that bridge," said Snead, "no matter who uses it."

In other county business:

   • Snead informed the board that he is working with the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority committee on awareness signage along the watershed in Jones County.

   "The DNR encourages awareness of watersheds across the state," he said

   The WMA is working on a grant to assist in the cost of the signs. Snead is writing a letter of support for that grant. He also insisted that Secondary Roads install the eight or nine signs adjacent to the roadways for the WMA.

   "We want to make sure they're in the proper location," he said.

   • The board approved the fiscal year-end financial report with Heritage Area Agency on Aging for Senior Dining.

   • The board discussed conducting department reviews, beginning around the first of August.

   "We need to keep up on what's going on around the county and aware of everything," said Supervisor Jeff Swisher. "It seems like we get hit with everything at budget time. We need to know more as the year goes on so we can plan for it."

   "And keep employees up on what we expect," added Supervisor Joe Oswald.

   The reviews will be included as an agenda item during the board meeting.

   • The board approved the 2022 applications for Homestead Tax Credits, Disabled Veterans Homestead Tax Credits, and Military Service Exemptions, as presented by Assessor Sarah Benter.

   Benter explained that the Business Tax Credit applications aren't included this time because they're automatically updated online due to a change in legislation.