HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hill County Commission convened on Thursday for their weekly business meeting and unanimously approved a task order from Great West Engineering to have them inspect and provide a preliminary report on the state of the bridge.
The Commission says that completing the $30,000 task order will allow them to apply for up to $750,000 in Coal Endowment Funds from the state to rehabilitate the aging bridge.
The bridge, which was built in the 1930’s, is located on Cottonwood Road west of the Wild Horse Highway, is the only bridge in Hill County north of Fresno Dam that crosses the Milk River.
It currently has an 8,000 pound weight limit and has multiple stringers in need of replacement.
Commissioner Diane McLean said that the entire project will take several years. They have previously estimated the cost at between $3-4 million and hope that the state can fund most of that.
Also at the meeting on Thursday, the Commission unanimously approved the dissolution of the Meadowlark Estates Water and Sewer District. This comes after owners in the District overwhelmingly voted to dissolve the inactive District. Assets from the District will be transferred to Hill County, with outstanding funds going towards the over $1,300 in debt the District has accumulated.
The Commission also decided to table an agenda item that was requested from Wilderness Funeral Home for the cremation of Melvin Sherman, saying they needed more information before making a decision.
Lastly, the Commission unanimously approved the scheduling of a public hearing to establish the hours for the transaction of their business for the 2022 calendar year. This will take place on Thursday, January 6th at 10 AM.
Clerk and Recorder Susan Armstrong announced that Tina Salazar will be sworn in as a Deputy Clerk and Recorder on Monday morning.
