Commissioners tentatively award temporary Keeler bridge contract to Thompson Contracting, contingent on FEMA funding
March 18, 2026 | Lincoln County, Montana
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The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners moved March 18 to award the contract for a temporary one-lane bridge on Keeler to Thompson Contracting of Libby, Montana, contingent on the county receiving FEMA funds and a federal declaration.
The recommendation came from Evston Engineering, which said Thompson’s bid — transcribed in the meeting materials as $887,473 — was the lowest responsive bid and roughly 10% less than the nearest competitor. A county official read the required notice of award language, including the contractor’s obligations to deliver signed agreements, bonds and insurance within 15 days of receipt of the award.
The board discussed two paths: accept the low bid and proceed with a temporary structure now, or reject the bids and wait for a potential Army Corps of Engineers project to replace the original dyke and build a permanent approach. Evston’s letter noted the timing of the Army Corps alternative is uncertain and could prolong impacts on county residents.
"It all comes down to money," one commissioner said during discussion, and another emphasized that the award should be expressly contingent on federal assistance. A member of the public asked whether the Montana Department of Transportation might provide a temporary bridge so the county would not need to expend funds; commissioners replied that the motion’s funding contingency would avoid obligating county funds if state equipment or resources became available.
The board’s motion to award the contract to Thompson Contracting was made and seconded during the meeting; the award was explicitly conditioned on receipt of FEMA funds and a declaration, and the procurement will require the contractor to comply with standard contract submittal and bonding requirements.
The county clerk/contracting staff will proceed with the contract administration steps if and when FEMA confirms funding and the county receives the executed contract documents from the recommended bidder.
The recommendation came from Evston Engineering, which said Thompson’s bid — transcribed in the meeting materials as $887,473 — was the lowest responsive bid and roughly 10% less than the nearest competitor. A county official read the required notice of award language, including the contractor’s obligations to deliver signed agreements, bonds and insurance within 15 days of receipt of the award.
The board discussed two paths: accept the low bid and proceed with a temporary structure now, or reject the bids and wait for a potential Army Corps of Engineers project to replace the original dyke and build a permanent approach. Evston’s letter noted the timing of the Army Corps alternative is uncertain and could prolong impacts on county residents.
"It all comes down to money," one commissioner said during discussion, and another emphasized that the award should be expressly contingent on federal assistance. A member of the public asked whether the Montana Department of Transportation might provide a temporary bridge so the county would not need to expend funds; commissioners replied that the motion’s funding contingency would avoid obligating county funds if state equipment or resources became available.
The board’s motion to award the contract to Thompson Contracting was made and seconded during the meeting; the award was explicitly conditioned on receipt of FEMA funds and a declaration, and the procurement will require the contractor to comply with standard contract submittal and bonding requirements.
The county clerk/contracting staff will proceed with the contract administration steps if and when FEMA confirms funding and the county receives the executed contract documents from the recommended bidder.
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