Bullhook, 3 others in Bullock budget

Four major Hi-Line projects received funding under Gov. Steve Bullock’s proposed budget that was unveiled Monday.

While the Legislature has final say over the projects, Bullock ranked two Hill County projects very high on the list, meaning they have better chance of winning approval under the Treasure State Endowment Project.

Hi-Line projects winning the governor’s approval include:

• $500,000 to the city of Havre to fund the first phase of the effort to rehabilitate the failing Bullhook drainage project. The project was ranked fourth of 40 on the governor’s list.

• $296,902 for major bridge repairs on the Hinebauch Bridge on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. The bridge was ranked first of 10 bridge projects granted funding by Bullock.

• $750,000 toward the $6.4 million water project in Big Sandy. The water project was 10th on Bullock’s list of 40 water projects.

• $500,000 toward the $17.7 million wastewater project in Chester. This project was ranked 37th of 40 water projects.

Mayor Tim Solomon said he was pleased the Bullhook project ranked so high. He said work on the Bullhook project is vital.

That $500,000 will pay for only part of the critical sections of the Bullhook drainage, Solomon said.

The drainage on the south and east sides of Havre. Over the years, streets and homes have been built over the creek. Last year, some streets caved into varying degrees of severity. At some points, people could look down the hole in the street to the creek below.

“We’re going to have to keep looking for grants to fix the rest of Bullhook,” the mayor said. “and we are probably going to have to pay for some of the work ourselves.”

Public Works Director Dave Peterson said if the Legislature approves Bullock’s plan before it adjourns in April, city officials will meet with Great West Engineers who have prepared plans for repairs.

They will determine just what part of the project should be undertaken first.

Peterson said the areas that have caved in will likely have highest priorities.

He said it is likely that construction will begin in the fall.

Hill County Commission Chair Mike Wendland said the Hinebauch bridge has been in poor shape for many years.

The county had worked hard to shore up the bridge, but had to impose weight limits on traffic crossing it. Semis were barred from using the bridge for fear the bridge couldn’t take the added weight, he said.