BLUE EARTH — “The condition of County Road 31, east of Kiester, has deteriorated so much the blacktop road was closed to through traffic beginning April 1,” Public Works director Mark Daly told the Faribault County Board at their regular meeting Tuesday morning. “There are major potholes in the road. It remains open to local traffic, but we advise everyone to slow down.”

The portion of the road closed by the county is a five mile stretch beginning at 35th Street and ending at 85th Street in Walters.

Several options were discussed of what to do with the road, including turning it into a gravel road.

“Could we do a full-depth reclamation and wait to resurface it later?” commissioner Tom Loveall inquired.

Daly said he was concerned with how the road would hold up as a gravel road and would like to see the road paved this year.

“We are currently $942,500 under budget on our construction projects and have additional funds available through a County State Aid Highway (CSAH) advance,” Daly explained. “We could also delay a couple of other smaller projects to help fund a full-depth reclamation and repaving.”

Commissioner Bruce Anderson was in favor of that approach.

“That would square things up and make it a 10-ton road all the way from the south end of CR 31 to CR 16,” Anderson commented. “On the east side of the county we have a gap in 10-ton roads. This would really help those involved in agriculture.”

Commissioner Bill Groskreutz offered his qualified support.

“If we can find a way to go forward with the project without having to bond for it, then I am in favor,” Groskreutz said.

A resolution to seek the additional CSAH funds was approved along with a motion to proceed with the full-depth reclamation and resurfacing of the road.

In other business:

— The board accepted the resignation of County Attorney Kathryn Karjala, effective July 2.

— A resolution was approved for a Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota on behalf of the Faribault County Attorney and Faribault County Sherriff.