Lewis and Clark County Approves Bridge Contract, Church Sign Variance Request

The Lewis and Clark County Board of County Commissioners awarded a concrete and steel contract worth up to $43,542 to ARCO Builders, Inc. on Tuesday, advancing a repair project at the Craig River Bridge approach with a hard completion deadline of May 30, 2026.

The contract, considered during the board's April 7 public meeting in Commission Chambers at the City-County Building in Helena, directs ARCO Builders to furnish and tie reinforcing steel and to furnish, place, and finish concrete for the bridge approach. The not-to-exceed figure keeps the award beneath the $50,000 threshold that typically triggers more extensive procurement review, and county staff will oversee construction oversight, claims processing, and contractor coordination through the project's completion next month.

Bridge approach work of this kind is a recurring feature of the county's capital maintenance cycle. The Craig area crossing sees use from commuters, agricultural operators, and emergency services; deteriorated approaches can compromise safe passage, particularly as seasonal conditions shift. The May 30 deadline suggests the county expects the concrete work to proceed quickly through spring.

Commissioners also acted on a zoning variance request filed under case number ZONE2026-007 on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the property at 1260 Otter Road. The church sought relief from the maximum sign area allowance applicable within the R-3 district of Special Zoning District 5-A. County planning staff carried the required notices and reported findings to the board before commissioners rendered their decision.

Both items drew the standard public comment opportunity built into the commission's meeting format. Under county procedure, the Board of County Commissioners can issue a final decision the same day testimony is heard, provided no new substantive information emerges that would warrant further deliberation. Tuesday's session proceeded accordingly.

The April 7 agenda, held in Room 330 of the City-County Building, also included a public comment period for matters outside the posted agenda. The meeting recording serves as the formal public record and is available on the county's official YouTube channel for residents who want to review testimony or commissioner discussion in full. Formal decisions will appear in the county's official minutes once posted following the meeting.