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Banner County approves $12,000 down payment for hydraulic study of Road 18 tied to missile‑site access
Summary
The Banner County Board of Commissioners voted to pay up to $12,000 now toward an engineering evaluation (estimated about $28,220) of erosion and alignment problems on County Road 18, a corridor identified for Sentinel missile‑site access. The study will inform construction options and potential easements.
Banner County commissioners on April 7 approved a payment plan to fund an engineering evaluation of chronic erosion and alignment problems on County Road 18, a route the county and the Department of Defense use to reach nearby missile‑site facilities.
Road foreman Jay Dove told the board the problem began as an erosion‑control project but has grown into a larger rehabilitation effort that will require hydraulic analysis and, potentially, major grading and alignment work. ‘‘If we give them just the bare minimums, that’s what we’ll get in the long run,’’ Jay said, recommending the county perform a thorough study to present to the Air Force and the Department of Defense.
Engineer Dave Shap of MC Shaft/MC Engineering Companies said the first phase would be a hydraulic evaluation to determine flow rates, frequency and energy‑dissipation needs; the firm estimates the combined hydraulics and alignment evaluation at about $28,220. He described three tiers of work: a minimal fix focused on erosion control, a middle option that re‑engineers roadway cross sections, and a full rebuild that would change vertical and horizontal alignment for driver safety and long‑term maintenance savings.
Commissioner Don moved to accept the firm’s proposal and to pay up to $12,000 now, with the balance to be paid on or after Oct. 1, 2026. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.
County staff and the board noted several follow‑up items: the evaluation may show the need for additional easements on private land, the Air Force and DoD must be coordinated with because of project scope and equipment needs, and construction costs could be significant. The board discussed spreading payments across fiscal years if necessary.
The payment authorizes the engineering study; any subsequent design or construction work would require further board approval and, in many cases, coordination with the Department of Defense and affected landowners.
