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Lewis and Clark County commissioners approve $1.55 million congressional request, engineering task order and call local election
Summary
At their March 5 meeting, the Lewis and Clark County commissioners approved a $1,554,500 congressional funding request for design and right-of-way on Lake Helena Drive/Hauser Dam Road, authorized a $38,000 task order for bridge engineering, approved a $6,000 preservation grant application and called a local election; all motions passed 3-0.
The Lewis and Clark Board of County Commissioners on March 5 approved a $1,554,500 Fiscal Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending request to fund design and right-of-way acquisition for the Lake Helena Drive/Hauser Dam Road project.
County Engineer Dan Karlin presented the request, saying the funding — sponsored by Senator Sheehy — would cover design work and right-of-way acquisition. The board voted 3-0 to approve the application after staff recommended approval and no public comment was received.
Karlin also presented Task Order 8107 with Great West Engineering, not to exceed $38,000, to prepare a preliminary engineering report and assist with a Montana Coal Endowment Program grant application for the Birdtail Road over Flat Creek Bridge. The task order includes a completion deadline of May 31, 2027. The board approved the task order 3-0.
Historic Preservation Officer Pam Attardo presented a $6,000 Certified Local Government grant application to the Montana State Historic Preservation Office for the grant period April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. The board approved that application 3-0.
Elections Supervisor Connor Fitzpatrick presented Resolution 2026-13 calling for a local election in Lewis and Clark County for offices with terms expiring in January 2027, including County Commissioner District 2, treasurer, clerk and recorder, sheriff, county attorney, justice of the peace and superintendent of schools. The board approved the resolution 3-0.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026-12 declaring county property surplus — motion passed 3-0 (moved by Commissioner Andy Hunthausen; seconded by Commissioner Candace Payne). Fiscal Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending request for Lake Helena Drive/Hauser Dam Road ($1,554,500) — motion passed 3-0 (moved by Commissioner Candace Payne; seconded by Commissioner Andy Hunthausen). Task Order 8107 with Great West Engineering (not to exceed $38,000; complete by May 31, 2027) — motion passed 3-0 (moved by Commissioner Andy Hunthausen; seconded by Commissioner Candace Payne). Certified Local Government grant application to Montana State Historic Preservation Office ($6,000) — motion passed 3-0 (moved by Commissioner Candace Payne; seconded by Commissioner Andy Hunthausen). Resolution 2026-13 calling a local election — motion passed 3-0 (moved by Commissioner Andy Hunthausen; seconded by Commissioner Candace Payne).
During the open public-comment period, Fitzpatrick gave an informational update on pending federal election-related bills and urged residents to verify their voter registration. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
The board took no contested or controversial action at the meeting; all listed motions were approved unanimously.
