The East Grand Forks council is still trying to decide how best to utilize $860,000 dollars in federal road funding. The so-called “subtarget” dollars were originally earmarked for a roundabout at Bygland Road and a rebuild of 10th Street NE.
Both projects have hit roadblocks pushing them beyond the 2023 deadline to qualify for the funding. In its place the city is looking at a combination of projects rather than skip the funding cycle.
Those alternative projects would need to be included in an amendment to the Metropolitan Planning Organization – a process that could take several months. Councilman Clarence Vetter says that’s not necessarily a slam dunk. “The feeling of the (MPO) board as I have it is they are tired of amendments that don’t go through the process and last minute changes.”
Council member Brian Larson says it seems like the right thing to do. “I think it’s apparent we don’t have the votes to override the veto on the roundabout. I would support moving forward with these six projects as they are ranked and let the funding fill in as far as it will go.”
East Grand Forks won’t see another round of “subtarget” funding until 2026 and those dollars are committed to refurbishing the Point Bridge. A final recommendation is expected at next week’s council meeting.
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