Public Feedback Sought on Federal Funding for Bridges in Chickasaw, Howard, Mitchell Counties

The Chickasaw County Secondary Roads department is seeking public input for future funding for bridge repairs and/or replacement projects.

That’s Chickasaw County Engineer Roman Lensing during an update Monday (07.20) to the Board of Supervisors. Lensing has issued a notice in regards to the public survey which says, “In 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation will award up to $350 million in Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grants to support critical infrastructure projects across the country. CHBP is a nationally competitive grant program that provides funding for transportation bridge infrastructure.”

The Iowa DOT, in partnership with over 20 counties and cities, is applying to receive funding to rebuild 32 bridges in poor condition across the state. These bridge replacement projects would improve safety, increase community connection, provide easier access for freight and agricultural-related movement, and allow for economic growth.

Lensing says feedback is sought on how you use the current structures, plus thoughts on potential wider, safer bridges that can carry heavier loads. A link to the survey is included with this story on our station website.

Projects include, in Chickasaw County: the bridge north of Ionia on County V14, near the intersection with Highway 18. In Mitchell County: 320th Street over Fish Creek, about 10 miles southwest of Osage. In Howard County, on 150th Street, between Holly and Howard avenues, about five miles northeast of Elma.

Iowa CHBP Survey