State grants County’s extension request

BONIFAY – The state has approved a request by Holmes County Commissioners for an extension request on the FEMA paving project.

Commissioners discussed the news when they met in regular session Tuesday, June 15, stating the extension is a step in the right direction to prevent the county from losing the remaining $1.1 million of the $22.5 million awarded in 2016.   

A scope change request on the same project was also approved, with commissioners asking to add three more roads to the list of those to be paved. All roads on the list for Districts 2 and 5 are ready to be paved with some ditch work left to be completed when the Requests for Prices on needed materials come in which is expected by the boardÂ’s next meeting. All that remains before work can begin are the permits, which the board states are expected to arrive any day. 

County Engineer Cliff Knauer also advised commissioners that Florida Department of Transportation fully funded Phase II of the Bonifay Chipley Road paving project in the amount of $1.1 million. Work should begin in the near future. 

Commissioner Jeff Good requested the board approve adding $15,000 to each districtÂ’s road maintenance budget out of Hurricane Sandy funds. The request was approved. 

Holmes County Board of County Commissioners will meet again in regular session at 6 p.m. Monday, July 6.