Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bridges topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Daniels County authorizes consultant to apply for Better Local Bridges grant for Spear Bridge
Summary
Daniels County commissioners authorized staff to pursue a Better Local Bridges grant (up to $3 million, 20% local match) to replace the Spear Bridge and approved contracting with Interstate Energy (John Brock) to prepare the application and charge hourly, with an estimated application fee around $1,000.
Daniels County commissioners on May 18 authorized staff to apply for Montana’s Better Local Bridges grant to fund replacement or rehabilitation work at the Spear Bridge and other priority crossings.
The program offers up to $3 million per community with a required 20% local match. Staff told commissioners the grant accepts applications on a short timeline and estimated the county’s consultant time and application fee would likely be about $1,000. Commissioners agreed that replacing the Spear Bridge with an aluminum box culvert or similar span would fit the site and reduce overall cost compared with a full bridge.
A commissioner moved to authorize John Brock of Interstate Energy to prepare and submit the application and to bill the county hourly for application work; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said the application appears to be electronic but they will arrange signatures if a hard signature is required.
Commissioners also discussed other vulnerable crossings, possible low-water slab alternatives, and the state permitting timeline. Staff cautioned that state approvals and a 310 waterway permit can take up to three months, meaning construction could slip into the fall. The county will evaluate match requirements and final design before committing funds.
The authorization gives staff authority to proceed with the application and to solicit contractor bids if the grant is awarded.
