West Fargo accepts low bid for Meadow Ridge reconstruction; award contingent on state environmental clearance

The City of West Fargo accepted a low bid of $3,245,039.90 from Dakota Underground for Meadow Ridge Development Reconstruction Phase 1 and approved awarding the contract contingent on environmental‑review approval from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ).

Dan Hansen told the commission that four bids were received, with the low bidder about 12.23% less than the engineer’s final bidding estimate. Staff explained the packet contains multiple cost figures: an earlier feasibility or amended engineer’s report estimate of about $6.18 million prepared before design, and a post‑bid engineer’s statement of cost that presents an estimated $5.10 million total (including contingencies and soft costs). Hansen acknowledged a clerical inconsistency in the financial-analysis paragraph and said staff will confirm which figures belong to which document.

“The bids that we got are from a very qualified contractor and they’re very good,” Hansen said, recommending acceptance of the low bid and awarding the contract contingent on NDEQ approval of the environmental review, noting additional grant and low‑interest loan opportunities that could reduce the city’s net cost.

Commissioners pressed staff for clarity about differences between the earlier estimates and post‑bid numbers and emphasized neighborhood notification and scheduling; staff said the contractor has submitted preconstruction documents and that construction could begin mid to late April pending approvals and the neighborhood meeting.

The motion to accept the bid and award the contract contingent on NDEQ approval carried unanimously.