GF council wrestles with bridge study

The Grand Forks council failed to reach consensus on hiring a consultant to continue work on the scoping phase for two potential south side bridges.

A committee is recommending SRF Consulting be allowed to continue planning for an inter-city bridge and a river crossing at Merrifield Road. The cost of the analysis is just over $151,000 dollars. East Grand Forks has proposed a 50-50 funding split between the two cities. Grand Forks wants to add Grand Forks and Polk Counties into the mix.

Council Member Ken Vein says the project has already been approved by the council and MPO and this seems to be the logical next step.

Council member Kyle Kvamme says he’s not sure more data is needed at this point in time.  “This is still a council political/emotional decision that needs to be worked through.  I would approve three more joint meetings before I would approve a penny for a report I don’t think we need.”

The council voted 3-3 on funding the study during last night’s (Monday) Committee of the Whole meeting.  Members will take another look at the request next week.