Washington County is making strides in community infrastructure and environmental restoration. The Washington County Board of Commissioners has appointed Nicholas Stephens to the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee. Starting March 12, Stephens will serve as a Private Sector Representative until December 31, 2027. As part of their March 11 meeting, the Board also approved liquor license renewals for two establishments: VR US Holdings, operating as Afton Alps, and The Keystone Weddings and Events LLC.
In a fiscal move, the County Board sanctioned a hefty contract for construction oversight. Sambatek, the engineering firm at the helm, will provide additional inspection and engineering support for the 2025 road and bridge construction workload. The $1,195,262 contract targets 19 projects with an aggregate value exceeding $30 million. Among the key undertakings, Sambatek's personnel will focus on County State Aid Highway phases and various pavements and safety enhancements.
Enhancing the Sheriff's Office capabilities, the County Board approved the purchase of two new airboats. Made possible with a federal grant, these watercrafts, pegged at $249,000, will aid the Washington County's Water, Parks & Trails Division in navigating diverse terrains. Commander Tim Harris, from the Sheriff’s Office Operations Support Division, noted the added flexibility and safety in conducting rescues across the county's expansive waterways.
On an environmental front, nearly 25 acres in Big Marine Park Reserve is slated for prairie restoration. A grant of $50,950 from BWSR will cover native seed planting and contracted services, scheduled to start this fall. The County Board also entered into agreements with the Pollinator Friendly Alliance and Pheasants Forever, leveraging their volunteer efforts towards the required grant match. These organizations will join forces to bolster local habitats, reflecting their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship in county parks.
