BROOKINGS Its likely still going to be years before 214th Street between Aurora and Brookings has a real shot at being rebuilt to handle its ever-increasing traffic loads, but some work is being undertaken in the interim to keep it in usable condition.
Thats the word Brookings County commissioners heard Tuesday morning from Highway Superintendent Brian Gustad, who also told them that recent rains have put a damper on activity in his department.
Work includes replacing one culvert toward the east end of the project, which will necessitate the temporary closing of the road. He said gravel hauling will also take place, along with chip sealing, and that public outreach efforts will be undertaken to raise awareness when the time comes. It might be a bit, though, since the contractors the county relies on have other projects underway projects which have also been at the weathers mercy as of late.
When more work is able to be happening, you guys will be made aware of that and the public will be made aware of the temporary closures while we do that work, Gustad assured commissioners.
Responding to a question from Commissioner Dave Miller, he noted that the culvert replacement would likely result in a day-long closure of 214th Street, with it reopening at night. Regarding graveling, he said the intent is to keep the roadway open with some temporary delays. As for the chip-sealing portion of the project, the closing would be longer to allow the prime seal to cure over at least a 24-hour period.
We dont want anybody tracking up oil on their car, so its just safest to delay it for a day and then once they can do the chip-seal process then itll be open at night closed during the day, open at night, Gustad said.
On another matter related to 214th Street, he mentioned that speed has been an issue. The speed limit is 45 mph, but some drivers have a bit of a lead foot.
Ive been communicating with the sheriff. Theres been a lot of speed out there, Gustad said. Its a drag strip right now.
Traffic counts have also been taken, and theyre showing 200 to 500 vehicles per day.
Theres pretty heavy traffic out there to drive that narrow of a gravel road, Gustad said.
As Brookings and the surrounding area continues to grow, the roadway will see more traffic. Its a key reason why the county is keen to rebuild the road, but that will require federal dollars. Steps have already been and will continue to be taken to move that along, but its a solution thats still years away and not guaranteed.
TIF fee OKd
Following months of discussion, commissioners gave the final go-ahead on a 5-0 vote to implement a one-time, $3,000 application fee for new tax increment financing districts within the county going forward. Existing TIFs are not affected by this change in policy.
We didnt want to make it too complicated or too simple, but this is what we came up with, Commissioner Larry Jensen said.
I think this is probably a good thing its not something that were wanting to make money on, of course, Commissioner Shawn Hostler noted. (Its) just for administrative purposes, so I think this will help offset some of that.
The income derived from the fee will be used by the county to help manage the costs of overseeing the TIFs.
Barring a referral to a public vote, the new fee will go into effect on June 25, Commission Department Director Stacy Steffensen told the Brookings Register.
New technology fee
Finance Officer Lori Schultz said vehicle owners will face a new $2 technology fee that kicks in on July 1. Its being imposed by the state of South Dakota, and is on a per-transaction basis.
If you come in with a title transfer and you also have to license that vehicle, thats two transactions, she said. Itll be an extra $4 on a title transfer and a license. If you have 10 vehicles that you come in entering new, its going to be an extra $20.
None of the money raised from the new fee stays with the county, Schultz said, responding to a question from Jensen. It all goes to the state.
In other business on Tuesday morning:
Commissioners approved, on a 5-0 vote, a resolution adopting the Brookings County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan for 2024-30. Emergency Management Director Bob Hill said the county has had such plans in place since 2003, and its required that they be updated every five years.
On a voice vote, commissioners agreed to a memorandum of understanding between the county and Dakota State University in Madison regarding participation in the SecureSD program.
Heard a request from Elkton Special Days Committee for $500 to put toward their annual Fourth of July fireworks display. Commissioners agreed to do so on a 5-0 vote.
Gave the green light on a voice vote to closing county Road 23/Broadway Street in Aurora for Gala Days events from 6 a.m. Aug. 2 until 4 a.m. Aug. 3.
Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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