County and MWEC discuss CR4 reconstruction and pole relocation; MWEC estimates $2.04 million

Engineer Jana Hennessy briefed the board on CR4 reconstruction and ongoing conversations with Mountrail Williams Electric Cooperative about relocating power poles. State’s Attorney Wade Enget cited North Dakota Century Code 24‑01‑42, which prohibits construction within 75 feet of the centerline of county highway right‑of‑way without first obtaining the board’s consent.

MWEC landman Kyle Sorenson said MWEC had acquired right‑of‑way on the Williams County side, and MWEC General Manager Alex Vournas told commissioners the cooperative was prepared to work together and discussed an estimate of $2,042,400 to relocate distribution/transmission lines for the east section. HDR Engineering consultant Craig Mizera described the option of shifting the road alignment north; commissioners said the item will return for further discussion at a future meeting. The minutes also note the Paulson Creek Bridge 150' right‑of‑way had been acquired in 1980.