Ramsey/Benson County July 7, 2010 Minutes The Benson County Commissioners met in special session on July 7, 2010 at 11: a.m. at the Maintenance Building, Graham's Island State Park. The purpose of the meeting was to meet with area legislators and other county officials to discuss a possible raise of the Graham's Island North/South Road. Commissioners from Benson County: Curtis Hvinden, Jason Lee, Michael N. Steffan and Lowell Haagenson. Commissioners from Ramsey County: Mark Olson, Bill Mertens and Joe Belford. Others present: Jon Nelson, District 7 Rep; Don Vigesaa, District 23 Rep; Chuck Damschen, District 10 Rep; Grant Levi and Wayde Swenson, ND DOT; Curt Hofstad and Dennis Johnson, District 15 Reps; Tim Heisler, City of Devils Lake; Joan Heckaman, District 23 Senator; Ben Vig, District 23 Rep; Henry Duray, Devils Lake State Park; Jesse Hanson and Mark Zimmerman, ND Parks & Recreation; Donald Trnka, BC Hwy Dept; Bill Devlin, District 23 House Candidate; Dick Anderson, District 7 House Candidate; Gene Hager, Graham’s Island resident; Craig Wollenburg, District 7 Senate Candidate; Richard Peterson, Benson County Farmers Press; Dave Oehlke, District 15 Senate; Louise Oleson, Devils Lake Journal; and Kent & Bob Indvik, Wold Engineering. The meeting was called to order. Vigesaa informed the group he met with Governor Hoeven and explained the proposed project. He stated the process for applying for federal funding as been initiated and Frances Ziegler, ND DOT, indicated federal emergency funding has been approved. He was concerned, however, that the cost estimate rose to 14.4 million dollars with a local match of 2.8 million. Levi said the expenditure of federal funds needed to be justified so an economic study of the area was completed and the Federal Highway Administration approved the federal funds. Bob Indvik stated the increased cost for the project was due to raising the roadway to 1461’ and getting updated cost estimates. Levi added that the project would be requested for 2011. Bob Indvik explained the reasons for the increased grade raise costs. He stated costs for rip-rap exceeds 6 million dollars and the winds will damage the roadway if it is not protected by rip-rap. Levi stated the federal fiscal year starts in October, but the project would be done in 2011. Nelson questioned when a decision needs to be made whether or not to go forward with the project. Levi stated his office will need an answer as soon as possible. Levi also explained the State of ND paid the costs of the environmental survey that was completed. Nelson and Levi discussed how the funding bill needs to be written for the legislature. Johnson questioned Zimmerman if funding would be available through the Parks and Recreation Department. Belford stated it will be hard for Ramsey County to come up with any local match. Hofstad questioned if there is a lake elevation point that will trigger the construction starting. Trnka was concerned that if the engineering was started and the project was not completed, the federal government may ask for the engineering costs back. Vigesaa mentioned that the special road funds of the State may be an option for money. Levi stated if money was taken from this fund, it would stop projects in other areas of the State and most of the money has already been committed. Duray stated the ND Game & Fish Department has committed money to building boat ramps in the area so money in that fund may be limited. Belford questioned Levi what the plan is for Hwy. #19 should the lake rise past the next grade raise. Heckaman asked the group if the local share could be paid for through “in-kind” services. The group concluded that Benson and Ramsey Counties should meet to discuss financial records and make a determination if any money is available. Duray asked Levi to explain the other projects ongoing in the areas. Levi stated Hwy. #19 will be bid in August, 2010 and bids on Hwy. #57 will be let in June, 2010. Meeting adjourned at 12:15 a.m. /s/Joe Belford Chairman, Ramsey County Commission ATTEST: /s/Elizabeth V Fischer Ramsey County Auditor .