SANDPOINT — In last week’s special council meeting, Sandpoint elected officials approved a declaration of emergency for the failing Sand Creek culvert on North Boyer Road.  

The emergency declaration, proposed by public works director Holly Ellis, allows the mayor and city administrators to execute necessary purchasing documents and emergency work on the culvert in an expedited manner.  

The city was originally notified about the potential failure of the culvert by Bonner County after county officials reviewed the culvert. After a quick investigation June 5 and 6, the city found “no immediate signs of danger.” However, during a follow up inspection June 11, it was noted that the culvert’s condition was rapidly worsening and had the ability to impact health, safety and property.  

In an effort to replace the culvert, city staff were approved to procure materials necessary before doing a bid design and construction. The purchase of the culvert before starting construction will expectantly eliminate a waiting period or stalling of construction. In parallel, city staff will be obtaining project permits with the Army Corps and Idaho Department of Land, which takes an estimated four-to-six weeks.  

As part of the emergency declaration, the city also approved the use of the general fund emergency reserve to complete the necessary road work. The project is estimated to cost around $20,000 and will proceed over road work that was slated to take place this summer.