Lincoln Gulch Road repair underway with correct culvert

Lewis and Clark County Public Works Director Eric Griffin reported that work on the North Lincoln Gulch Road culvert repair is moving along.

At the Lincoln Government Day meeting Friday, Griffin said the latest reports from the crew working on the repair is that the culvert had been installed, the headwalls are in place and plans called for them to start backfilling Monday, if weather permits. They hope to have backfilling complete by the end of the week and to begin placing rip rap next week.

"The snow is good and bad. To be able to be doing this kind of stuff this time of year is great, but ..." Griffin said.

Griffin also reported that the Dalton Mountain Road Bridge repair is still number two on priority list for grant funding through the Treasure State Endowment Program. Griffin believes that is nearly a guarantee the project will be funded.

"In my years, I have not seen where a project ranked number two in bridges in all the state of Montana has been denied, but on the other hand I can't predict what goes on," he said.

The Montana Legislagture will vote to approve TSEP funding during the legislative session this year.

County Commissioner Susan Good Geise urged members of the community to get in contact with Becky Beard, the representative for our House District 80, which includes much fo the Lincoln area.

"She needs to hear from locals," Geise said. "She's hearing from her leadership, which may be a very different message from what her locals will be telling her. Do not be shy about contacting her. she's your elected representative, and the word representative means she represents you. Speak right up; she needs to hear from you."

Griffin also said the county is still working on the road maintenance matrix, which will evaluate which roads in the county should receive maintenance by the county. He said they want to identify and clarify them as best they can before taking it to the public. Once it's completed, his first move will be to meet with fire districts throughout the county, as well as with the Upper Blackfoot Valley Community Council, for feedback.