Cascade County extends MCEP grant deadline for Arlington Bridge project amid rising cost concerns

The Cascade County Commission voted 2-1 April 22 to approve contract 25-42, an amendment extending the Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP) grant for the Arlington Bridge replacement project to March 31, 2028.

The extension preserves $750,000 in MCEP funds previously awarded for construction work on the Arlington Bridge; Cascade County staff told commissioners that initial construction estimates were $1.6 million but have risen to about $2.4 million because of inflation and additional requirements tied to Burlington Northern Santa Fe. County staff said the county holds about $2.8 million in a reserve account for the project.

Why it matters: The bridge has repeatedly flooded and its in-channel piers trap debris, county staff said, creating recurring safety and maintenance risks for the road and for crews that clear the channel. Extending the grant deadline preserves the county’s access to the MCEP award while staff continue to secure an easement from Burlington Northern Santa Fe and finalize permitting and bids.

Public works staff described the project history and outstanding obstacles. According to the staff presentation, Cascade County contracted TDNH Engineering to pursue funding and design work; in May 2021 MCEP awarded $750,000 and the county signed the original contract through Dec. 31, 2025. County staff said the county requested the extension after an easement from Burlington Northern Santa Fe was not granted in time for permits and bidding.

Commissioner [surname withheld in transcript], who moved the amendment, said the project’s safety rationale outweighed the rising cost, while another commissioner said they had “some heartburn with this because of the dollar creep on this project.” A third commissioner said they were uncomfortable and indicated they would vote no.

County staff estimated that keeping the project moving through design and to the public bid stage could cost “probably $500,000” more in county expenses before construction bids are opened; staff also said the county can decline to proceed if bids exceed the county’s budget at a later stage.

The vote: The motion to adopt contract 25-42 passed 2 to 1. The meeting record does not include a roll-call of individual votes; the tally is shown as 2–1.

What stays unresolved: County staff said the easement from Burlington Northern Santa Fe remains outstanding and must be acquired before the county proceeds to final permitting and bidding. Staff also warned that estimated costs could continue to rise over the multi-year timeline and that significant additional costs would be brought back to the commission before commitment.

Commissioners and staff said the county’s sheriff’s office and local crews have been active in monitoring the stream and clearing debris after high-water events, but they emphasized that the bridge’s design—three piers in-channel—contributes to repeated blockages and flooding.

The commission’s approval extends the MCEP contract deadline to March 31, 2028, preserving state grant eligibility while the county continues easement negotiations, design and permitting work.