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Bonner County approves $20,500 contract to negotiate right-of-way for Spirit Lake Cutoff safety project
Summary
Road & Bridge will hire Negotiation Services LLC to negotiate acquisitions and prepare appraisals for two parcels needed to realign a hazardous 90-degree curve on Spirit Lake Cutoff Road; the project is funded primarily by a $1.5 million safety grant and is expected to cost just over $2 million.
Bonner County approved a $20,500 professional services agreement with Negotiation Services LLC to perform right-of-way negotiations and appraisal work for the Spirit Lake Cutoff Curves safety project.
Road and Bridge staff told commissioners that the county received a $1.5 million safety grant for a project estimated at just over $2 million to address multiple sharp corners on Spirit Lake Cutoff Road, including two 90-degree turns that have produced serious and fatal crashes. Matt Mulder, staff engineer for Road & Bridge, said county engineers and JUB Engineers recommend realigning the sharpest corner — near Bear Road — and adding guardrail where appropriate.
Mulder said acquiring additional right of way from two property owners is necessary to realign the sharpest curve. "We were selected for funding for this grant program to the tune of $1,500,000 in funding on what we expect to be just over a $2,000,000 project," Mulder said. He described Negotiation Services LLC’s scope as negotiation, appraisals and preparation of purchase documents so the county can pursue voluntary sales and avoid eminent domain when possible.
Commissioners asked whether property owners were likely to cooperate. Jason Topp, a county director who has met with the most-affected owner, said the owner indicated a willingness to work with the county. Commissioners asked whether the county has budgeted matching funds for purchases and other costs beyond the grant; Road & Bridge staff said the county has a grant-match line in its budget (the packet referenced roughly $695,000 available in grant-match lines across projects) but could not confirm the precise earmarking without review.
Road & Bridge noted that the county cannot currently fund a second major realignment of the other 90-degree corner without additional grant funding; alternatives for the second location under consideration include guardrail and signage. The approved $20,500 agreement directs Negotiation Services LLC to begin negotiations and appraisal work for the two parcel acquisitions.
The board approved the contract by roll call vote and directed staff to return with executed documents and status updates as negotiations proceed.
