It’s also time to apply for gravel road dust control

By Frank Phillips

DLC Media News

BRAZIL – Clay County Commissioners want to get busy on road projects that will be paid for with Community Crossings Matching Grant money as soon as possible. 

On Wednesday, County Commissioner President Paul Sinders expressed appreciation that the Indiana Department of Transportation had awarded Clay County the largest award possible, $1 million, again this year. 

“That is good news for Clay County,” Sinders said. 

On Wednesday, two bids were received and were opened that will use that money for road improvements in the county. 

Milestone’s total bid was $1.6 million and E& B Paving’s bid was $1.7 million. 

Both bids will be taken under consideration and “the most responsive and responsible bid” will be let. Indiana law requires the county to accept the most responsive and responsible bid for such municipal and county projects. 

The two bids will be reviewed by the commissioners and by the county highway department before one bid is accepted at a special meeting of the Clay County Commissioners in the Courthouse at 10:45 a.m., Thursday, May 4th. 

In other business:

• The dust control program for 2023 was approved. Dust control is only a temporary solution for people who own property along gravel roads. The county pays one-half of the cost of applying dust control chemicals up to 400 feet of roadway. The cost to property owners who choose to participate is $63.50 per 100 feet. Property owners are encouraged to get at least 300 feet of road in the program, Sinders said. The deadline for the program is June 2nd. Property owners should contact the Clay County Highway Department for more information or to apply. 
• The Safe Streets for All program presented by Ryan Keller, president of THRIVE at the April Commissioners meeting, will seek funding for Clay County. There is an $800 application fee to the state but, “Anything concerning safety will probably be approved by the state,” Sinders said. “I don’t see we have anything to lose.” Commissioner Marty Heffner said it is a “great idea” and Commissioner Bryan Allender made the motion to apply for the Safe Streets for All program. 
• Emily Clarke presented the annual Community Corrections Grant information to the commissioners and they approved applying for the state grant. The grant is one of two sources of revenue for the program. The other source is fees and other revenue generated by those who participate in the corrections program. The grant will be used primarily for salaries, she said. 
• There is a new member of the Van Buren Fire District Board. Kim Williams resigned and Jim Snyder agreed to take his place through 2025. 
• SRI, the company that manages the county’s sale of tax delinquent property is raising its costs to $125 per parcel, however that cost will not be paid by the county, said an SRI spokesman. 
• Jennifer Flater presented plans for Thursday’s local observances of the World Day of Prayer. https://www.1049waxi.com/2023/05/01/world-day-of-pra…ograms-in-brazil/