Arnegard seeks county funding for critical roadway upgrade
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
In a presentation to the McKenzie County Board of Commissioners on June 17, officials from the City of Arnegard made a compelling case for a significant investment in local infrastructure. Engineer Harvey Fitzgerald of Interstate Engineering, alongside Councilmen Rick Schreiber and Jeff Kindal, outlined a multi-phase plan to upgrade 133rd Avenue, a vital north-south artery on the east side of Arnegard.
Currently, 133rd Avenue is a gravel road, but its importance has grown dramatically. As Engineer Fitzgerald explained to the Commission, “Currently, it consists of a gravel roadway. The fire hall is out there. There’s also been some subdivisions up north of town. So it’s just increased amount of traffic on 133rd between oil field activity, the residents that are up there, plus the fire hall.” The representatives explained that the surge in activity necessitates a more robust roadway.
The initial request focused on improving a half-mile section within Arnegard city limits, estimated at $1,295,000, which includes $987,000 for construction and an additional $295,000 for contingency and soft costs like design and engineering. However, discussions at the meeting quickly expanded the vision.
Fitzgerald highlighted a long-standing need. “This has been a conversation that we’ve been having for many, many years,” he stated. There’s also a strong desire from Arnegard Township to extend the improvements further north. The sentiment from the city officials and the Commission leaned toward a more comprehensive approach. The commissioners seemed to agree that the entire project should be done all at once.
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