Culbertson approves higher bid, commits local funds for Highway 2 water-main project

Culbertson — The Culbertson Town Council voted to accept the low bid for the Montana Department of Transportation Highway 2 water-main replacement after engineers reported the project’s cost had increased well above earlier estimates.

Town engineer Jeremy Fadness told the council the initial project estimate and proposed funding structure—totaling about $260,000 and combining the town's MAG and Local Fiscal Recovery (LFR) allocations with a county MAG contribution—was based on earlier figures. On Oct. 24 the council was presented with a low bid of $529,855.33, and councilors approved the bid and submitted a Letter of Commitment to MDT to move forward.

Why it matters: The bid more than doubled the initial $260,000 planning estimate, pushing the town to commit additional Local Fiscal Recovery and other resources. Council members said timely action was necessary to keep the MDT schedule, which calls for bidding in fall and construction starting the following spring.

Council approved a funding plan that uses the Town of Culbertson Minimum Allocation Grant (MAG) and Local Fiscal Recovery funds, with Roosevelt County providing a MAG allocation to reach the required local match. Engineer Jeremy Fadness and councilors said MDT will pay for conflicts that arise from its roadwork when stormwater drains conflict with the new mains, but the town remains responsible for engineering and many utility adjustments.

The council approved the motion by voice vote with no objections. Todd Gabriel moved to approve the bid and submit the Letter of Commitment; Mark Nelson seconded. The record shows the motion carried without objection.

Next steps: Fadness said final plans and the engineer's estimate had to be delivered to MDT by the end of the relevant month to meet the MOT ready date and allow an August/October bid and spring construction start. After plans are finalized, the town will submit them to state environmental review (DEQ) for the required checklist.

Funding details noted in meeting materials list Town MAG of $195,427.83, Town LFR (variously reported as $50,990.73 and later adjusted), and Roosevelt County MAG sums; the Oct. 24 workshop posted the detailed bid and a town motion to commit to the project.