Blacktail Dam project bids come in under budget as scope adjustments made

The Williams County Park Board convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss the progress and financial aspects of the Blacktail Dam project. The meeting focused on the recent bidding process, budget adjustments, and project scope.

The discussion began with an overview of the current bidding climate, highlighting that many projects are coming in under budget despite ongoing economic challenges such as inflation, high interest rates, and labor shortages. The board noted a significant number of bids received—approximately 40 to 45 across various scopes of work—indicating strong participation from subcontractors and trade partners in the Western North Dakota market.

As the meeting progressed, it was revealed that initial estimates for the project were around $11.7 million, exceeding the allocated budget for Blacktail Dam. In response, the design team implemented cost-saving measures, successfully reducing the budget to approximately $10.6 million. This adjustment was achieved by cutting about $1.1 million from the project scope, which included the community building that was not aligned with the county's programming needs.

The board also discussed the identification of bid alternates, which serve as a contingency to add back elements to the project if the final costs allow. The base bid, without any alternates, was reported to be just under $9.1 million, which was viewed positively by the board as it allows for potential allocation of funds to other projects.

The meeting concluded with a review of the cost summary, emphasizing that all recommended bids were from the lowest bidders, ensuring fiscal responsibility. The board expressed confidence in the project's direction and the ability to deliver a comprehensive park experience while remaining within budget constraints. Further updates will be provided as decisions on the bid alternates are finalized.