Three bridges would be replaced if the city were to receive grant funding. Courtesy of the city of Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Finance & Legal Committee discussed a possible joint powers agreement with Jamestown Parks & Recreation to apply for grant funding for the installation and maintenance of bridges at three parks.

The agreement would oversee the grant application for bridges in Klaus, Nickeus, and McElroy parks in the city.

Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says they haven’t yet been awarded the grant, but if they were, the local share would be done through citywide special assessment.

The project would replace all existing abutments on the projects and install a prefabricated pedestrian bridge.

“All three of these sites have poor or nonexistent abutments,” the grant documents state. “All sites also lack proper ADA access across the bridges. These bridges would provide a safe and lighted path for pedestrians. In addition, the current bridges are low and could potentially exacerbate conditions in a flood situation due to obstructing the water flow and holding floating debris or ice.”

Project cost estimates provided by Interstate Engineering show a possible cost of $1.6 million with roughly 81% of that covered by federal and the rest by local share.

The committee unanimously agreed to approve the ND Department of Transportation Alternatives Program application for grant funds with the City of Jamestown acting as the applicant. Councilmember David Schloegel was not present.