Commissioners seek engineering estimate, intergovernmental talks over Minto Elevator Bridge

Walsh County commissioners agreed to obtain engineering cost estimates and to convene with the water board and city before deciding who will pay to repair the Minto Elevator Bridge.

The board heard that VRR hydraulic modeling recently provided by the state is now with KLJ for evaluation, and staff said that analysis should produce options and costs within weeks. "We have them moving forward to it," a county staff member said. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the bridge is the county’s obligation under a 1980 maintenance agreement; one speaker noted a district court and a Supreme Court decision that had found the roadway private in prior litigation.

Peyton Quan, identifying himself as a city representative for Minto, described the 1980 record and the subsequent court findings: "They proceeded as if it was a public road…and the district court found that it wasn't." Quan said the road had been treated as public for roughly two decades before the litigation produced a contrary ruling.

Commissioners emphasized safety and liability concerns and noted businesses that rely on the bridge. One commissioner said the county has previously performed repairs but that the legal status complicates responsibility. "I think for now it'll be me, Jason, and the water board…we'll bring everything back," a commissioner said, describing a small group that will meet with stakeholders after KLJ produces estimates.

No final funding decision or formal intergovernmental agreement was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners agreed to review KLJ’s report, consult the water board and affected businesses, and return to the full board with options and cost estimates. The matter will return for action after those meetings and the engineering analysis are complete.