Apparent low bid of $46 million, first phase of Souris Basin flood protection

A bid opening today on the first phase of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Plan shows an apparent low bid of $46 million, approximately $13 million below the engineer’s estimate. The results are unofficial at this time, as the Souris River Joint Board, City of Minot, and the engineering firm of Houston Engineering need to review the bids to ensure accuracy and look for any irregularities. A construction bid recommendation will go to the Minot City Council and the Souris River Joint Water Resource Board for review and possible approval.

The Phase 1 - Fourth Avenue Floodwall Project includes levees, floodwalls, a major pump station, and a pedestrian opening to the river. It spans from just west of Broadway to the east side of Third Street NE, on the north side of the river – covering approximately six blocks of flood protection. No start date on construction has been set, as the design engineers expect the project to take between 2.5 and 3 years to construct.

The cost share on this phase, and the other two early phases which will have bid openings next week, is being done on a 65/35 split, with 65 percent coming from the state and 35 percent from local funds. The primary source for local funding is from a portion of the Minot city sales tax.

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