Garrison Diversion seeks county approval for haul roads and section-line closure for Red River pipeline; county asks for legal petition and maintenance terms

Garrison Diversion representatives described plans for pipeline construction through Griggs County and asked the commission to begin the county27s permit process for haul roads and open-cut road crossings. They also requested the county consider closing a short section line that leads to a slough so a maintenance access structure could be placed there.

Kip Kovar, district engineer for Garrison Diversion, told commissioners the pipeline alignment includes occasional aboveground manholes that landowners find obstructive. For one short section line near a railroad and a slough, both adjacent landowners signed a petition prepared by legal counsel asking that the section line be closed and that a manhole be placed on the section line split between the two properties. Kovar asked the county to approve the section-line closure so the structure cannot be developed as a road in the future.

County Attorney Jamie responded that state statute requires a formal petition and public process to close a section line. He described the typical statutory steps: a petition from adjacent landowners, notice and advertisement, and at least two hearings so the public can object. Jamie said the commission cannot unilaterally close a section line simply because landowners sign a private agreement.

Commissioners and project staff then discussed haul-road routing, timing and crossings. County engineering staff and Garrison Diversion said they will submit a road-use package with maps and a table of crossings that identifies whether each crossing is on county or township roads and whether the road is gravel or paved. Garrison Diversion staff said they plan to advertise the project soon and that, if awarded, most work in Griggs County would start next spring.

On road-repair and maintenance responsibilities, Garrison Diversion staff said the project intends to permanently repair open-cut crossings. County commissioners requested that the repair obligation be written into the permit or agreement. Staff described compaction and backfill standards they will meet: 95% compaction for backfill lifts and 100% compaction for the top foot, and use of geotextile fabric where appropriate. They estimated typical closure times from open-cut repair: paved roads generally re-open in about a week; gravel roads in about 48 hours, depending on detour needs.

No formal vote was taken on the section-line closure; commissioners asked staff to work with the county attorney and return with the required petition documents and a permit agreement that includes a written maintenance and warranty period for road repairs. Commissioners asked that Garrison Diversion provide a clear maintenance/repair provision (including duration and financial responsibility) and to deliver the county permit documentation and haul-road package for legal review before the board signs any approvals.

Why this matters: the Red River Valley project will use county and township roads for major construction access and may require permanent changes to some rural section lines. Commissioners asked for legal and contract language that protects county roads and clarifies who will pay for long-term repairs if settling occurs after backfill.

Next steps: Garrison Diversion will submit the haul-road package and a proposed maintenance/repair agreement; county staff and the county attorney will review statutory requirements and return to the commission with recommended petition wording and a timeline for a public hearing if the petition route is pursued.