Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Band-aid fixes aren't enough for this section of gravel road near South Lake Washington, residents say. A permanent grade raise is needed.
The Eddy County Commission gathered in a special meeting on Tuesday, May 26 to hear concerns voiced by Lake Washington Township residents regarding road conditions.
The area of concern is an unpaved section northeast of South Lake Washington at the junction of 22nd Street and 88th Avenue North.
This is a site known for increasing water levels; a challenge Lake Washington Township has faced over the years.
Despite frequent fixes, the road greets motorists with a series of soft spots and – on numerous occasions – impassable conditions.
Recent rains have made the situation worse, and the possibility of more precipitation in the days ahead leaves residents uneasy.
"Four more days of rain? It [the road] could all be gone," said one of the residents present at the meeting. Another cited that if the road is washed out, then emergency vehicles will no longer have access to residences should the need arise. A scary thought indeed.
Lake Washington Township is currently awaiting a $14,000 reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.)
However the pressure from COVID-19 on federal government offices has created an indefinite delay. And even when the funds do arrive, there won't be enough to cover the cost of a permanent fix, residents say.
Township officials have secured two bids to effectively raise the road to reduce the water's impacts. Ritterman Excavation quoted $37,555 and Jensen Bros., quoted $48,296. However, if more damage occurs before work can begin, the price tag could be much higher.
After thoroughly understanding the issue, the Eddy County Commissioners suggested that the township seek financing in order to make the needed repairs. Commissioners asked that the township consult area banks to explore options.
Eddy County State's Attorney Ashley Lies advised that a joint powers agreement would be needed before the county or township can enter into any financial contracts. She offered to consult with the Attorney General to ensure compliance with the North Dakota Century Code.
The matter will come up again at a future meeting once financing options are identified and joint powers agreement language is drafted.
