OSKALOOSA — About $232,000 in I-JOBS funds are available to Mahaska County, and the Mahaska County supervisors discussed possible projects for the funds at their meeting Monday.
I-JOBS funds may be used for the construction, reconstruction, repair and maintenance of city streets or county secondary roads. Iowa Department of Transportation officials encourage local government bodies to use the money on projects that can be undertaken quickly.
Mahaska County Engineer Jerry Nusbaum said the state wants the funds committed to projects by next fall.
“It has to be committed, not spent,” Nusbaum told the supervisors. “What do we want to do with the money?”
Nusbaum said the $232,175 available is not a lot of money for a road project.
Board Chairman Greg Gordy asked if the funds could be used for right-of-way acquisition.
Nusbaum said it could.
Gordy thought the I-JOBS money could be used in the Southeast Connector road project.
Nusbaum said that project would be expensive and would require money from the city of Oskaloosa. He said the Southeast Connector would be a $6 to $7 million project, and the city of Oskaloosa would have to contribute half the funds.
Oskaloosa City Manager Michael Schrock Jr. was in the audience and spoke to the supervisors about possibly working together and using the funds to improve access to the Lacey Complex.
Schrock said the Lacey Complex has new projects — such as the new Babe Ruth baseball field — which will draw more people to events there and create a demand for better road access.
“I’m pleading with you to be part of this,” Schrock said. “Please consider this to be a priority.”
Nusbaum said there needs to be a planning group of city and county officials formed to study the issue. He said the Lacey Complex “benefits the children of Mahaska County.”
“I support this,” Supervisor Willie VanWeelden said. “It’s something that needs to be done.”
Gordy asked about the timeframe for a decision.
Nusbaum said he needs an answer by February.
Herald Editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at oskynews@oskyherald.com
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November 3, 2009
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