A scoping study for an inter-city bridge and a river crossing at Merrifield Road will continue after the agreement was reaffirmed by the Grand Forks council last night (Monday).
The council took another look at the cost sharing agreement after Polk County opted to pay less than 25% of the bill – as stipulated in a motion for hiring SRF Consultants. East Grand Forks has agreed to pick up the shortfall.
Council member Bret Weber says it’s unfortunate Polk County agreed to fund a lesser portion of the payment – but ending the study sends the wrong message. “It would be poor form for us at this point to pull our 25%.”
A joint meeting between the various government groups is expected down the road. The proposed scoping study is expected to be completed this summer.
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The Grand Forks Growth Fund is on board with allowing Forum Communications to break their lease early in the HIVE Building. The lease with the city runs through April (2024). The Grand Forks Herald wants to give a 60 day notice. Last week the JDA rejected the early-out provision. A staff report says other tenants have shown interest in leasing the unused space. City Administrator Todd Feland says if the JDA agrees to the early termination the conversations will begin to fill and renovate the space. Feland says it could take 6 to 8 months for the entire process to be completed. The issue will go back to the Jobs Development Authority for further action.
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