After a lengthy debate the Grand Forks council last night (Monday) approved a 2050 Street and Highway plan that includes an inter-city bridge…sort of. The council voted to leave it in for modeling purposes – only.
City Administrator Todd Feland says the move would demonstrate that the city has no plans to fund the project while keeping the framework of the long-range plan intact. Critics argue the bridge should be removed since it will never be built.
Council member Ken Vien says the data shows there is value to the project. “The numbers I have and the data shows the benefits of an inner-city bridge without a location improve gateway drive…DeMers Avenue…improves South Washington. The studies speak for themselves.”
Council member Bret Weber says removing the bridge this late in the process could jeopardize future federal funding for other critical infrastructure needs.
Mayor Brandon Bochenski says the conversation is being pushed by one side and the potential loss of federal funding is concerning. “The process stinks quite frankly.”
The discussion also questioned the makeup of the MPO and whether it should be changed to better reflect greater growth on the Grand Forks side of the river. The council adopted the 2050 plan on a 5-2 vote.
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The Grand Forks council approved a series of moves last night (Monday) designed to make way for a new indoor turf and aquatics facility. Those include the purchase of 6.28 acres of land near the proposed site…first reading of an ordinance to allow sales tax dollars to fund the project…naming rights…and a letter of intent with the Grand Forks park District to manage the facility. A grand opening on the $100 million dollar build is targeted for 2027.
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