Milwaukee Bridge: county hears permit and schedule update; temporary easements may be needed

County staff provided a detailed update on the Milwaukee Bridge project, including permitting milestones and a tentative schedule for final design and bidding. Staff reported a Sage Grouse permit application completed Nov. 4 and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers submission on Nov. 20; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service consultation yielded written concurrence (noted Aug. 27) on the listed species discussed.

Design milestones discussed at the Oct. 29 meeting included a target of 100% design complete by Feb. 27, 2026 and a planned bid opening on April 29, 2026. Staff told the board the county will likely need to sign the highway‑designation standard form and submit a short email stating the county concurs the project is ready to advertise so it can proceed to RFP. Staff also flagged practical construction items: extension of a temporary access agreement for one adjacent landowner and possible need for a temporary construction permit or permanent access easement because the new bridge deck will tie into and raise a private approach.

Commissioners asked staff to walk the site with the landowner (Dan) to confirm permissions and to ensure the project remains on Department of Commerce and legislative lists so funding and advertising deadlines are met. No final decision about easement type (temporary vs. permanent) was made during the meeting; staff said they would follow up.