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Lewistown commission approves cost-sharing for Third Avenue bridge, contingent on county MOU
Summary
The Lewistown City Commission voted to pay the city’s share of a $27,610 cost difference to replace the Third Avenue South bridge, but made the payment contingent on a signed memorandum of understanding with the county to clarify responsibilities.
The Lewistown City Commission voted to approve cost sharing for the replacement of the Third Avenue South bridge, but made the payment contingent on a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the county.
City Manager Holly Felts told commissioners the existing bridge is a 30-foot wooden structure and the county’s standard replacement is 24 feet. She said the estimates in the packet show a cost difference of just over $27,000 for a wider structure and recommended the city move forward: "What I would like to propose or recommend tonight is going ahead with the cost sharing on this. But I would like to see if you guys would consider making it contingent on getting a signed in place." Felts said the city would be responsible for the bridge approaches and tie-ins while the county would provide the supporting structure under state statute language she summarized for the commission.
Commissioners discussed the draft MOU, which Felts said was first prepared in 2020 and has not been finalized. Commissioners asked whether the MOU would list bridge widths and inspection references; Felts said it would likely include a list of bridges, widths and structure numbers and that inspections are performed annually by the Department of Transportation. She also said funding for the city’s share would come from street-maintenance/gas-tax funds and that current funds are available to cover the city’s portion.
Commissioner Spika moved to approve the cost sharing for the $27,610 difference and to require a signed MOU with the county; Commissioner Huitt seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote.
Why it matters: Replacing the bridge will remove a temporary, decades-old wooden structure that has required interim repairs; the MOU is intended to set clear ongoing responsibilities between the city and county so future maintenance and cost-sharing are explicit. The city’s immediate choice to approve a contingent payment moves the project toward design and construction planning, subject to the final agreement with county officials.
Next steps: City staff will continue negotiations with the county on the MOU and bring the finalized agreement back for the commission’s records and any required future appropriation.
