Laurel Renewal Agency reports ditch-covering construction started; Project 1 bids set for late February pending MDT approval

Agency staff reported that construction has started on Ditch Covering Task #5 and that project teams will meet weekly on Tuesdays to coordinate work and progress. Staff member Forrest Sanderson said construction is underway and that the Agency is maintaining close coordination with contractors and property owners.

Staff also said bids for Project 1 are expected to be released at the end of February 2026, but the project remains dependent on Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) sign-off of the 100% design. According to staff, MDT approval is still pending and the Agency hopes to receive it before the next scheduled meeting.

The Agency approved its prior meeting minutes at the start of the session on a motion seconded by Dean Rankin. No additional financial details or contractor names were provided in the meeting minutes for these projects.

The meeting record notes the City completed shoulder work on the E. Railroad Path, listed as a separate operational update. The minutes did not specify construction contractors or precise budget figures for the Ditch Covering or Project 1; those details were not provided and are listed as not specified in the Agency record.

The Agency scheduled routine oversight and coordination while awaiting external approvals and formal bidding; next procedural steps include final MDT approval (status: pending) and issuance of bid documents at the end of February, if design approval is received.