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Bonner County seeks federal bridge funding; authorizes temporary property use for Pack River work
Summary
Road & Bridge staff received board approval to apply for a FY2026 Federal Aid Bridge grant to replace the Whiskey Jack Bridge, including a projected total cost estimate of about $4.8 million and county match obligations. The board also approved a state-funded temporary property-use agreement allowing contractors to install a pedestrian path and fence at the Colburn/Culver Road bridge over the Pack River.
The Bonner County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 9 authorized staff to apply for federal bridge funds to replace the Whiskey Jack Bridge over Boyer Slough and approved a related temporary property-use agreement for separate Pack River bridge work.
Matt Mulder, staff engineer for Road & Bridge, told the board that the Whiskey Jack Bridge (built 1969, timber structure) is functionally obsolete and that the FY2026 Federal Aid Bridge Grant would cover design and up to $3,000,000 in construction costs. Mulder estimated design at about $800,000 and an anticipated total 2025-dollar project cost near $4,800,000. If awarded, the county would need to provide a local match (approximately 7.34% on the grant portion) and additional funds estimated in the $1 million to $1.5 million range to complete construction. Commissioners approved a resolution supporting a $3,842,000 application and authorized the chair to sign administratively.
On a separate bridge project, staff presented a temporary property-use agreement with adjacent property owner William Bedford that grants a five-foot strip for contractor access at the Colburn/Culver Road bridge over the Pack River. The work — described as state-funded under the Leading Idaho Local Bridges program — will install a pedestrian path and a permanent chain-link fence delineating public right-of-way; the adjacent owner signed the agreement and the board approved it with thanks.
Public comment included a suggestion that developer impact fees could address future infrastructure funding gaps; commissioners noted that a capital improvements fund or future budget work would be options if the county accepts federal funding that later requires a local match.
