Buffalo County Courthouse (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Buffalo County Commissioners approved their one-and-six-year road and bridge projects during their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Highway Superintendent John Maul appeared with the road and bridge plans and noted that the one-year road plan includes seven projects for a cost of $2,636,000 and the six-year road plan includes 11 projects for $7,279,000.
The one-year road projects are as follows:
- Elm Creek, 52nd Road and Highway 183, project length .25 miles, grading road profile, improved drainage, base stabilization and nine inches of asphalt. Estimated cost $350,000. Road to be paid for by the Village of Elm Creek.
- Keystone Road from Highway 30, south to Union Pacific Railroad tracks, project length 220 feet, three inches of asphalt overlay. Estimated cost $100,000.
- 145th Road starting at Imperial Road and one mile east to Poole Road, project length one mile, grade and gravel. Estimated cost $100,000.
- Northeast of Elm Creek, Cessna Road starting at 145 Road and two miles north to 175 Road, project length two miles, grade and gravel. Estimated cost $150,000.
- Cottonmill Avenue starting at 39th Road and north to 85th Road, project length three miles, asphalt overlay. Estimated cost $936,000.
- Poole Road at Union Pacifici Railroad crossing, project length 0.1 miles, installation of a cross arms. Estimated cost $500,000. Union Pacific share, 90 percent at $450,000; state share, five percent at $25,000 and county share, five percent at $25,000.
- Maple Road at Union Pacific Crossing, project length 0.1 miles, installation of a cross arms. Estimated cost $500,000. Union Pacific share, 90 percent at $450,000; state share, five percent at $25,000 and county share, five percent at $25,000.
The county’s one-year bridge plan includes five projects for a cost of $1,207,000 and the six year bridge plan includes 10 projects for a cost of $4,156,000.
The one-year bridge projects are as follows:
- Project southeast of Kearney on Sweetwater Ave south of 11th St., abutment and pier rehabilitation by sandblasting and encasement of concrete on structure. Estimated cost $150,000.
- Project on Sodtown Road half a mile south of Elm Island Road, road abutment, sandblasting and concrete encasement on structure. Estimated cost $150,000
- Project on Buffalo-Hall county line on Wiseman Road and 70th Road, replacement of former structure with new twin box culvert. Estimated cost $210,000, to be split between the two counties at $105,000 each.
- Project on 175th Road near Cessna Road, replacing former structure with new box culvert. Estimated cost $467,000.
- Project located on 108th Road a quarter mile east of Imperial Road, replacing former structure with new twin box culvert. Estimated cost $230,000.
The commissioners approved the one-and-six-year road and bridge plans as presented.
During a zoning hearing, Mitch Humphrey, a licensed land surveyor, presented an application for an administrative subdivision, “Margritz Administrative Subdivision” which is located along Odessa Road.
Humphrey said Cynthia Margritiz wished to split off three acres from the property where her home is located to allow for a family member to build an additional home.
It was noted the subdivision appeared to be in compliance with county regulations and was approved by the commissioners.
During the facilities update, Facilities Director Steve Gaasch appeared with a liability agreement that would allow kayak rental at Ravenna Lake.
Gaasch noted that kayak rental has been requested in the past for the lake area and that he was looking for a local business sponsor. He said they would be looking to add four to six kayaks and possibility a paddle boat for rental.
The commissioners approved the liability agreement.