The Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved sending a formal response to the Iowa Department of Transportation regarding the design and cost expectations for the Highway 7 and 70th Avenue intersection — a key piece of Phase 3 of the Platinum Crush road project.
County Engineer Bret Wilkinson told supervisors the DOT had requested the county’s position on how much it is willing to contribute toward the project. He said the draft response outlines concerns about design changes made by the DOT that have increased the estimated construction cost.
Under the original 2022 RISE grant, Buena Vista County and the state were each responsible for half of the project cost. Board Chair Paul Merten said that when the DOT took over design and construction earlier this year, supervisors believed the state would assume full responsibility for the intersection. But he said the county was caught off guard when the DOT later presented a higher cost estimate.
Merten said the county’s offer — roughly $1.4 million, matching the remaining RISE funds — represents a serious attempt to move the project forward while acknowledging the county’s original commitment.
Supervisors noted the county would need to borrow money upfront, with reimbursement expected later through Platinum Crush‑related tax increment revenue. Merten said that’s not ideal, but delaying the project could leave the intersection closed or unfinished.
The board voted unanimously to authorize Merten to sign the letter and Wilkinson to send it to the DOT.
