Commission expected to approve grant request

St. Joseph County Commissioners this week are expected to approve a letter of support for a grant to be submitted by the county’s conservation district.
During last week’s Executive Committee meeting, commissioners fielded a request from conservation district director Carolyn Grace. She sought and ultimately received the backing of county commissioners for a tally of road crossings she and her department plan to conduct this year.
With the support of drain commissioner Jeff Wenzel and the St. Joseph County Road Commission, Grace said the plan is to inventory from 60 to 100 culverts and stabilization measures. Grace said the process involves staff and volunteers assessing the flow and velocity of the water.
The procedure is necessary to qualify for a follow-up grant required to improve flow and stabilization needs. Grace reiterated she was asking for no money but rather the support of county commissioners.
The follow-up stage would likely take place in 2018, she added.
Commissioners are expected to formally approve the request at Tuesday’s meeting this week.