GF rejects bridge study funding

The Grand Forks council has rejected an agreement to fund the next phase of study on a proposed inter-city bridge with East Grand Forks.

The scoping study would cost just over $151,000 dollars.  East Grand Forks was looking to split the bill 50-50.  Grand Forks suggested adding the two counties to further reduce the cost and include the Merrifield Bridge in the analysis

City Administrator Todd Feland says it’s another step in the process.

Council member Danny Weigel says he’s not in favor of the inter-city bridge plan.  “I think we need to solely focus on the Merrifield Bridge.”

Council member Bret Weber says you can’t ignore traffic problems between the two cities.  “Over the last decade we have been gathering data.  That data indicates Grand Forks needs a new bridge.”

The council voted 4-3 against the funding request.