County approves multiple road and bridge contracts, chip-seal and mill projects come in under estimates

Grand Forks County commissioners approved several road and bridge contracts during the meeting, with staff reporting multiple bids came in well below engineer estimates.

Key approvals included: - Chip-seal work (47 miles) to Asphalt Service Technologies (Aztec) for $1,499,962.32, the low bid and under the engineer's estimate. - County Road 81 mill and overlay (from Talladeer to the Thompson exit) to R.J. Zavero (bid ~ $1,177,826); the engineer estimate was about $1.6 million. - Countywide pavement marking contract to 3-E Specialties for $323,161.79, below the estimate. - Aggregate and crushed-concrete suppliers selected (Gowling Close, Lakeside and Down Construction as recommended split suppliers); staff described pricing per ton and hauling rates. - Multiple culvert and box culvert contracts and four-box culvert work accepted, with concrete box culverts coming in cheaper than aluminum in several locations. - A low-water crossing project in Gilby funded through state flex funds (80% state, 20% county) awarded at roughly $378,000, substantially under the $700,000 estimate.

Highway staff noted an unobligated balance of approximately $1.6 million from prairie-dog funds and said the county can carry these funds forward for future projects. Commissioners asked about contract damage/liquidated-damages clauses on some bids and staff clarified those clauses appear in signed proposals for the awarded contractors.

Motions to approve the contracts were moved, seconded and carried by voice votes.