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Commissioners award 60‑acre fuel‑mitigation contract to Iron Horse Construction
Summary
The board awarded a $45,000 fuel‑mitigation contract for about 60 acres near Ekalaka to Iron Horse Construction after reviewing two bids; the work is grant‑funded and due by Aug. 25.
Carter County commissioners voted to award a grant‑funded fuel‑mitigation contract to Iron Horse Construction LLC for approximately 60 acres near the Prairie Inn Ranch outside Ekalaka.
Georgia Bruske, who administered the procurement, said she solicited bids and received two offers: a $120,000 bid from a Missoula firm and a $45,000 bid from Iron Horse Construction, whose owner is Eric Cartsey. "I would like to award the contract to Iron Horse Construction and they will be doing the 60 acres that has to be done by the August 25," Bruske said during the meeting.
Why it matters: The project, funded by a community grant and coordinated with federal and state land managers, reduces fuel loading around private and public lands, which local officials say lowers wildfire intensity and improves community resilience.
Procurement and oversight: Commissioners noted the lower bid from Iron Horse and confirmed the contractor’s qualifications and equipment for mastication and other mitigation methods. The motion to award the contract was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; staff were asked to finalize the contract paperwork and obtain the required signatures.
Next steps: The county will finalize a written contract and work schedule with Iron Horse Construction and expect completion by the Aug. 25 deadline. The project manager will provide a final report and photos on completion, as promised by the presenter.
