Munster Bridge repairs funded

The old Munster Bridge, located eight miles northwest of New Rockford on County Road 12, is getting a long-overdue facelift.

At their rescheduled regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 3, Eddy County commissioners heard from Michael May of Interstate Engineering Inc., who broke the news that North Dakota had approved an application to "rehabilitate" the aging Munster Bridge, granting the county more than $450,000 to do so.

May told commissioners, "Basically what you'll be getting is the small repairs fixed on the abutments, the deck, the approach slabs will be fixed, guard rail widenings, and you'll get a nice retrofitted guard rail on that bridge to basically address all safety issues."

Should the bridge require more money than the county's been granted, Eddy County may still need to pay for some construction and/or engineering costs themselves, though a detailed proposal is required before they can be sure.

The news was warmly welcomed by commissioners, who are all too aware of the Munster Bridge's deterioration. Commissioner Neal Rud commented that these issues have been "ongoing for years," and State's Attorney Ashley Lies, who lives in the area, told commissioners that the news "made my day."

When asked about a timeline for the bridge repairs, May said, "There really is no timeframe, but by the time you look at it you aren't gonna get any wetland (studies) or anything done by the spring, and by the time you do all that you're probably looking at a 2023 construction."

May suggested that the bidding process be started sooner rather than later, and mentioned this fall as a potential starting point. The grant is possible thanks to House Bill 1505, passed during the N.D. legislature's special session in November. The bill, among other things, sets aside $24.6 million in federal coronavirus aid for county bridge project grants.

May also provided a brief update regarding the Lake Washington Road project, and suggested setting two separate completion dates for paving and chip sealing the road. The commission settled on Oct. 15 for paving and Aug. 1, 2023 for the chip seal. May told commissioners that the change could get the county a better bid.

In other news from the meeting, Eddy County was awarded a Court Facilities Improvement Grant, allowing the courthouse to receive a number of requested furnishings and other items listed on the grant application. Commissioners also discussed a need to apply for the Garrison Diversion Matching Recreation Grant Program by March 1, and plan to discuss the grant at a later date.

The last big news of the day came just before adjournment when Chairperson Glenda Collier asked the commissioners if anything else needed discussion. Commissioner Neal Rud then announced that he won't be seeking reelection to the Eddy County Commission this summer.

"I've had four terms and it's been a good thing, but it's time for a new face," said Rud. "I wanted to announce it here. ... I feel guilty when I'm not here and it works out great in the summer for nine months out of the year or so, but it's time. I've had four terms and I've enjoyed it, that's for sure."

In jest, Chairperson Glenda Collier responded with immediate regret that she had asked about further discussion, and the entire room then thanked Commissioner Rud for his many years of service to Eddy County.

"You've been a great commissioner, and I've enjoyed working with you," said Collier.

"Like Earl (Sauer) said, this courthouse has run a hundred years before we got here, and it'll run a hundred year afterwards, and I think he was right," said Rud. "So thanks, and I'll finish the year out so people can get their petitions filled out and get on board."