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County hires KLJ for bridge construction engineering and discusses Red River flood projects
Summary
Commissioners approved KLJ as construction engineers on two bridge projects to be funded by NDDOT and received updates on County Road 2 flood mitigation planning and broader Red River projects.
Walsh County commissioners on Jan. 7 approved hiring KLJ as construction engineers for two bridge projects and heard staff updates on County Road 2 flood resilience planning and a regional Red River project.
Jason, a county highway staff member, said the county selected engineering firms for construction engineering services after soliciting candidates; KLJ was interviewed and recommended. The commissioners voted to hire KLJ to provide engineering for projects BRJ-005058 and BRJ-50050060. Jason said funds for construction-engineering services will be covered by the state Department of Transportation as part of the project.
Commissioners then discussed flood-related work on County Road 2 and a separate County 2 project that aims to reduce washouts and improve hydraulic performance along the Red River corridor. Staff described plans for wire-texture crossings and hardening sacrifice areas, meetings with private township officers and landowners for buyouts, and the possibility of seeking FEMA funding for construction. The county's hydraulic consultant work and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and agencies was also reported: the county has engaged engineering support (KLJ, Houston Engineering referenced) and invited participation from North Dakota DOT, Minnesota DOT, the Corps of Engineers, Grand Forks County and townships to explore broader flood detention and water movement projects.
Commissioners discussed the scale and cost of work on historically flood-prone roads and the need to find more durable, less repeatedly expensive solutions. Jason and county staff said a longer-term regional approach is being pursued and that additional interagency meetings are planned to coordinate options on the Red River.
The KLJ hiring motion passed unanimously at roll call. Commissioners said they will schedule follow-up agenda items and public meetings as needed after meeting with Corps/agency representatives to gather information for public outreach and potential funding steps.
