Rancher presses county about stalled Regis Fork bridge project; commissioners say contract issues lie with federal contractor

A landowner raised concerns at the Fremont County meeting about an unfinished bridge project on Regis Fork and asked why the contractor had not completed work. The landowner said staging materials, culverts and equipment remain on site and that he has been told the contractor expected to finish by Christmas but has not.

County commissioners and staff told the resident that much of the delay appears to be with the contractor and the federal agency overseeing the project. The resident and commissioners discussed that the county’s road crew has completed its portion (approach work) where possible, but could not finish some elements while the contractor was using the site as a staging area. County staff said some tasks — removal of contractor-owned materials and final clean-up — are the contractor’s responsibility under the federal project contract.

The board took the complaint under advisement and said county attorneys would review the contract documents and follow up with the resident. Commissioners acknowledged frustration with contractor delays but said the county has limited authority over a federal contractor’s schedule.

No formal remedy or monetary award was decided at the meeting; commissioners directed county staff and counsel to examine the contract and to coordinate with the resident and other parties to seek a resolution.