EGF eyes consultant to help with intercity bridge planning

East Grand Forks may look to bring a consultant on board to help navigate the steps to secure a fourth bridge with Grand Forks.

City Administrator David Murphy says the last river crossing between the two cities was constructed in 1963 and there is no one on staff on either side with experience to guide the project to shovel ready status.  “There may be some debate but we have a location identified.  One of the things to help with funding is to get this project close to shovel ready as possible.”

Murphy says several firms have already been identified that could help guide the process forward. He says staff on the Grand Forks side have shown a willingness to share in the costs of the consultant

Mayor Steve Gander says hiring an outside firm could be a great resource.  “The consultant could be worth their weight in gold.”
Council member Clarence Vetter added the consultant may be able to identify additional funding sources and help move the project forward.

Gander says the objectives achieved with a bridge at Merrifield Road are different from that of a neighborhood crossing – and the conversation can never depart from two bridges.