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Washington County Commissioner for District 3 Mike Dunlap says a lot of progress is being made on bridge improvements, with three key projects nearing completion that will bring the district into full compliance. Appearing on KWON’s Community Connection, Dunlap said the work marks significant progress from when he first took office, when roughly 22 bridges needed replacement. He stressed that bridge infrastructure remains his top priority, noting that “if the bridge is out, it doesn’t matter how good the road is.”

Dunlap also talked about ongoing roadwork efforts, including improving road bases to extend longevity despite limited resources and heavier traffic. He asked residents for patience when roads are temporarily left as gravel, explaining it allows crews to identify and fix underlying issues before final surfacing. 

Commissioner Dunlap the addressed challenges facing county governments statewide, particularly rising liability and costs tied to jail operations. He said counties are facing increasing lawsuits and staffing shortages, emphasizing the need for better training, funding and policy improvements. Dunlap noted the importance of strong leadership in sheriff’s offices, calling it one of the most critical roles in county government due to the risks involved.