Mineral County commissioners hired a Missoula-based firm to replace the roof of the public safety detention center.  

Summit Roofing, a commercial roofing business with locations in Missoula and Helena, was hired by the county on Sept. 24. It was the lowest qualified bidder out of four submissions, with a price tag of $209,965. 

Commissioners are footing the bill through a combination of state and federal money.  

The first $80,000 will be paid with an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the state Department of Environmental Quality. The remaining balance is covered with federal aid money that the county received during the pandemic, called the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund. About $2.5 million of the fund remains, and there's no expiration date or spending restrictions.   

Repairing the roof over the detention center, which is housed in the Mineral County Courthouse Annex Building, was a top priority for county commissioners. The roof membrane and underlying insulation haven't been replaced since the Annex was built in 1994. Lack of proper insulation and dysfunctional rooftop air units has caused the jail to overheat in the summer and freeze during the winter.  

Contractors will replace the roof's deteriorating membrane and install thicker insulation underneath with enhanced air sealing. SLATE Architecture Consultant Scott Cromwell said the project should wrap up by the first week of January, weather pending.  

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.