Grant County approves plan to replace Tailfeather Bridge with NDDOT funding, sets right-of-way rates

The Grant County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 17 approved preliminary plans to replace the Tailfeather Bridge (BRJ-0019(025)) and took steps to acquire the necessary right-of-way ahead of a 2026 construction season. Brosz Engineering presented the proposal, which qualified for full financing through the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Engineer Billy Doerr told the board the preferred Alternative B would build the new bridge adjacent to the existing structure so traffic can continue during construction; the replacement bridge deck will be 30 feet wide. Commissioner Al Roy Hochhalter moved to approve Alternative B; Commissioner Marty Meyer seconded the motion, and a roll call vote recorded Hochhalter, Meyer and Chairman Alton Zenker voting aye.

The board also voted to approve and submit required certification letters to the NDDOT, including design certification, designation of Jon Alt as the responsible-charge contact, right-of-way acquisition certification, confirmation that no railroad right-of-way lies within the project, and utility confirmation. Those certifications were approved on a unanimous vote.

Auditor Sara Meier presented appraisal guidance intended to establish minimums for right-of-way acquisition for 2026 and 2027 projects. The commissioners set minimum compensation at $2,200 per acre for cropland, $1,100 per acre for noncropland and $220 per acre for temporary easements, and authorized Doerr to begin negotiations to acquire the listed parcels.

Taken together, the actions advance design, regulatory certification and land-acquisition steps needed to move the Tailfeather Bridge replacement into the 2026 construction season under NDDOT financing.