Massive repairs will put dent in Cole Co. budget

Road issues from recent flooding in Cole County are just beginning.

ABC 17 News first reported on problems on Lower Bottom Road earlier this month. That route is about 25 minutes south of Jefferson City near St. Thomas.

Cole County Public Works told ABC 17 News it is not worried even with the state of Lower Bottom Road, which is in bad shape.

The road is now completely destroyed and has begun to slide down the side of the hill.

Engineers plan to do some exploratory drilling to see how much it will take to get the road fixed.

They said its too early to get an accurate dollar amount on the repairs for Lower Bottom Road, but Benz said it could cost upwards of $500,000.

Director Larry Benz said Public Works puts aside a certain amount of money each year for contingency or “emergency” projects.

A lot of that money usually goes toward road treatment during severe winter weather.

Another option of getting the funds is a state reimbursement.

“If we were to get a state declaration to make us eligible, that would reimburse up to 75% of the cost,” said Benz.

Benz said they should not have to borrow money anytime soon.