The Grand Forks council rejected a funding request on a potential grant application that could assist in planning for another river crossing with East Grand Forks.
A motion seeking funds for planning and design of an inner-city bridge – and potentially Merrifield Road – fell victim to a tie vote. The inner-city bridge project has been opposed by many on the Grand Forks side of the river.
Another sticking point is that SRF Consultants informed the council last night (Monday) that the permitting process has shifted in Minnesota to prevent the approach of any new bridge from falling within a 100 year flood plain.
City Administrator Todd Feland says that changes how Grand Forks views the river crossing. “I don’t think when we presented the inner-city bridge location…essentially it eliminated the high bridge because it would no longer look like a neighborhood bridge and cause disruption.”
Council member Danny Weigel says he has trouble spending money on something that won’t be built.
The council will take final action at next week’s regularly scheduled meeting.
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