MARSHALL — Three area cities are pursuing state grant funding to help make street and water improvements possible.

Last week, Lyon County Commissioners heard requests from Lynd, Russell and Ghent to act as fiscal agents for the grant projects.

Lyon County Highway Engineer Aaron VanMoer said the cities were applying for grant funds through the Local Road Improvement Program.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation had “really opened up” the LRIP program to smaller agencies, he said.

“We have been the fiscal agent for some small cities and townships that would apply,” VanMoer said. To be able to act as fiscal agent for a small city receiving an LRIP grant, the county would need to sign a resolution of support.

“This year, I’ve got three different cities submitting four applications,” VanMoer said. The city of Russell was submitting two applications for LRIP grant funding, and the cities of Lynd and Ghent each had one application.

One of the city of Russell’s applications was for a project related to reconstructing a bridge on Park Road.

“They’re currently working with Lyon County to replace that bridge, and then this LRIP application would be to make improvements to that road,” VanMoer said.

Russell’s second application was to help resurface First Street, which is also Lyon County Road 15, VanMoer said. The construction on First Street was part of broader sewer and water infrastructure improvements that the city of Russell has been trying to make.

The city of Ghent is also seeking LRIP funding to improve McQuestion Street between Lyon County Road 5 and County Road 8, but has not successfully received a grant yet. The city is resubmitting its application, VanMoer said.

“The city of Lynd’s project is kind of a larger water project, replacing a lot of water main,” VanMoer said.

The resolution brought to the county said the project area would include Lynd Street between St. Albans Street and County Highway 25, and St. Albans Street between Lynd Street and River Street.

“With all of this new infrastructure money coming out … is there going to be a possibility, if we don’t get these dollars, that they can apply for those dollars through that infrastructure bill?” said Commissioner Rick Anderson.

“I’m not too sure on that,” VanMoer said.

In three separate motions, commissioners approved resolutions of support to sponsor the LRIP projects in Russell, Ghent and Lynd.