Mower County residents had better appreciate what they can get this year from the highway department.

Future transportation spending by the state of Minnesota looks dim, due to the $4.56 billion state budget deficit. The state's looming budget deficit threatens $180 million in road and bridge funds.

Michael Hanson, the Mower County Engineer, told the county board members Tuesday that road and bridge dollars are in "jeopardy."

Hanson is among the county officials watching the developing financial crisis closely. In addition, he is relying upon the Association of Minnesota Counties lobbying organization to also monitor the situation.

Thus far, Hanson told the county commissioners at least $180 million in highway funding from the general fund is threatened.

"A six-cents a gallon gas tax hike would cover it, but with gas prices approaching $1.80 a gallon already, that's not likely to happen," Hanson said.

Hanson echoed the words of others in county government, when he said officials and staff must contact area legislators to let them know how much they depend on state revenues to deliver needed programs and services to taxpayers.

Garry Ellingson, 5th District county commissioner and chairman of the county board, said officials will be tested soon.

"We're going to have to make some tough decisions for the future," Ellingson said. "I'm afraid some of the cuts will affect those people who need help the most."

County awards contracts

Five Mower County Highway Department projects were approved Tuesday. Only one is a highway paving project, while four others are culvert projects in three different townships.

Minnowa Construction of Harmony was the big winner in the awarding of contracts. The firm received three of the five approved by the county commissioners.

At Tuesday's regular meeting, the county board:

n Approved the low bid of Mathy Construction Company, Onalaska, Wis., to pave 13.68 miles of Minnesota Highway 14 from Minnesota Highway 16 to the LeRoy city limits this summer. The firm bid $2,407,461, which was 8.5 percent lower than the engineer's estimate. Three other firms bid on the project. All of the bids were under the engineer's estimate. The aggregate base and bituminous surface work represents the first time Mathy Construction Company has ever been awarded a Mower County highway project. When complete, the county will have a 10-ton all-weather road, connecting LeRoy to Grand Meadow and beyond.

— Approved a box culvert project in Lodi Township and awarded a contract for $105,345 to Minnowa Construction Company, Harmony,

which was 3.4 percent under the engineer's estimate. Five other bids were received, with four of them over the engineer's estimate.

— Approved an arch culvert project in Bennington Township and awarded a contract to Minnowa Construction Company, Harmony, for $65,850 or 15.68 percent under the engineer's estimate. Six other bids were received, including three more under the engineer's estimate.

— Approved a box culvert project in Racine Township and awarded a contract to Landwehr Construction, Inc. of St. Cloud for $141,546 or 2.44 percent over the engineer's estimate. Four other bids were received. Landwehr Construction, Inc. is the firm which installed the latest segment of the Shooting Star Recreation Trail from Lake Louise State Park to east of Taopi last summer.

— Approved another box culvert project in Lodi Township (on Mower County No. 11) and awarded a contract to Minnowa Construction, Harmony, in the amount of $118,788 or 0.32 percent over the engineer's estimate. Six other bids were received.

For all of the culvert projects, individual townships have the responsibility of preparing the approaches to the structures.

Also Tuesday, the county commissioners approved final payment to Ulland Bros, Inc., Albert Lea, for the Mower County Highway No. 6 paving project.

The firm will receive a total of $2.59 million for its work, including a final installment of $17,156 that was approved Tuesday.

The commissioners also gave Hanson permission to purchase a new motorgrader for $170,000, less a possible trade-in.

The purchase was recommended by the finance committee of the county board.

The county highway department's sand/salt supplies remain virtually untouched after the relatively mild winter weather.

According to Hanson, the 10 percent salt and 90 percent sand mixture will remain solvent for use next year and not diminish greatly in potency.

Hanson told the commissioners the Minnesota Department of Transpiration plans to build a slat/sand maintenance shed at the intersection of U.S. 62 and Minnesota Highway 56 east of LeRoy this summer.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue between a land owner in Adams and the county on a possible new maintenance shed in that community.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com