County awards gravel-road grip contract for eastern routes; board cites $2.175 million estimate

The St. Louis County Board approved a contract award for multiple gravel-road aggregate-stabilization ("grip") projects, accepting the apparent low bidder and authorizing construction work at eight locations primarily east of Cotton.

Commissioner McDonald moved the contract approval and Commissioner Nelson supported the motion. Administrator Gray briefed the board that the apparent low bidder named in the board materials was Ewan Brothers of Cloquet and that the contract amount was approximately $2,175,000 (consistent with the engineer’s estimate provided in the packet). Gray said the board received five competitive bids and that the award aligns with the engineers’ estimate.

Commissioners said the projects are a continuation of the county’s ongoing grip program and will serve highly traveled gravel roads in commissioners’ districts, including lakeshore and recreational corridors that now have increasing year-round use. McDonald and other commissioners noted the work will be funded through a combination of the county’s grip program funds, Transportation Sales Tax (TST) funding and unorganized township funds.

Administrator Gray and Commissioner McDonald described the work as part of a longer-term commitment to improving about 1,600 miles of gravel roads in the county; Commissioner Nelson noted that opening a new gravel resource at Canyon will further assist future maintenance work.

Why this matters The contract funds road-surface stabilization on several rural roads, which affects travel reliability for residents, businesses and emergency services along those routes.

Ending The motion passed by voice vote and staff will proceed with contract administration and project scheduling as described in the board packet.