The intercity bridge generated more debate as the Grand Forks council gave first reading to a long-range transportation plan last night (Monday) minus the controversial project.
Every five years the Metropolitan Planning Organization updates the roadmap with the latest proposal extending to 2050. The intercity bridge has been in past planning documents – but was removed on a 4-3 vote.
In the proposed document the bridge was mentioned but without a specific location. Council President Dana Sande requested the project be dropped suggesting it will never be built. Sande says that would place more emphasis on a river crossing at Merrifield Road.
Council member Ken Vien says he favors leaving the project in the MPO plan. “The data still show for me the need for an inter-city bridge.” East Grand Forks has been a strong supporter of the bridge.
The MPO’s Teri Kouba was asked what happens if the two cities don’t agree? “We would try to make some sort of agreement with the plan itself. This plan is tied to federal funding.”
A final vote is scheduled on December 18th. East Grand Forks also has to sign off on the document.
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Without discussion the Grand Forks council lapproved the results of the November election extending the three-quarter percent sales tax. The voter approved tax will target an indoor turf and aquatics complex. City Administrator Todd Feland says ordinance changes needed to extend the tax beyond 2029 will likely come before next week’s Committee of the Whole meeting.
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