Flood danger zone in Grand Forks may soon get some relief

Grand Forks, ND (WDAY TV) -- After years of planning, people in a south Grand Forks neighborhood are hoping to soon have one less worry.

City officials are one step closer to building a bridge on Shady Ridge

court, an area that's often cut off during spring floods.

Shadyridge Court, south of Grand Forks, is generally a regular

neighborhood, but during spring flooding, it becomes a danger zone,

accessible only by boats and helicopters

Ken Vein/GF Safety Service Committee: "Should another severe flood

event occur, they're isolated from the rest of the property to the

west and it creates a very dangerous situation for those people that

have to go back and forth."

The township's request to build a single lane bridge was officially

approved by the city's safety/service committee. The bridge would provide residents living in that neighborhood a way in and out of their neighborhood when the Red River reaches 44 feet or more.

A joint powers agreement between the city and the township must be

reviewed since part of the bridge fall within city limits.

Ken Vein: "The bridge is outside city limits and once the final

annexation takes place then the bridge will be located win city limis

and the city of Grand Forks will be responsible for long term

operation and maintenance."

The proposed budget of 1.6 million will be paid by the township. Once

approved by the full council, the township will begin soliciting bids

for construction.

Ken Vein: "They're working with their engineers to get a completed

design and then they would wanna get a bid to make sure that bid is

within their estimated guidelines.

The proposal will be presented to the Grand Forks City Council tomorrow.

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