Local Notices

PROJECT NO.   SS-6-999(060), PCN 23903

1 EAST OF I-29

PEMBINA & KITTSON COUNTIES

 The North Dakota Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, is proposing structure improvements on Bridge 0059-001.010/35007 which carries ND Hwy 59/MN Hwy 171 traffic over the Red River of the North on the North Dakota-Minnesota border. A project location map is enclosed with this letter that identifies the work area.

 A previous letter was sent to City officials in December of 2023 detailing the proposed improvements, anticipated impacts, and schedule of this project. Since that time the inspection crew has discovered that additional rehab to the substructure is required. The additional proposed improvements to the bridge include resetting a pier connection and installing new bearings at the base of the pier.

 This project is now expected to be constructed during the 2026 construction season and will not require the acquisition of permanent or temporary right-of-way.

 Both directions of traffic crossing the Red River of the North will be maintained through the construction zone for the majority of the project. The bridge will need to be completely closed to traffic for approximately two weeks while the pier work is completed. Traffic will only be required to detour during this portion of construction. When the pier work is complete, it will still be necessary to close a portion of the lane width to accommodate the remaining construction activities on the bridge.

 We are reaching out on behalf of the department to inform those who may have an interest in the upcoming project. If you or any persons of interest in the area have questions, suggestions, or desire further information regarding the proposed roadway improvements, feel free to contact myself at (701) 328-2533 or by responding to this email.

Stephen Wirtz, PE

Preliminary Engineering & Hydraulics

NDDOT Bridge Division

701.328.2533     •     swirtz@nd.gov     •     dot.nd.gov

Map of 2026 Bridge Repair

It has been brought to the Pembina City Council's attention there are fowl being kept within city limits in direct violation of Ordinance 11.0107

11.0107 Keeping of Certain Animals Prohibited: It is unlawful to keep any live sheep, swine or pigs, cattle, chickens or other poultry, goats, or rabbits in the City. This section shall not apply to any person, partnership or corporation keeping or handling such animals under consignment in the course of regular business or to a licensed livestock auction market.

The owner(s) of said fowl are advised the fowl need to be removed from city limits within 48 hours (by 4pm 7/24/25), or law enforcement shall be called, the fowl impounded and fine assessed.

11.0110 Penalty: Any person who violates the provisions of this article for which a specific penalty is not otherwise provided shall be guilty of an infraction for which the maximum penalty is a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00). The owner of any animal impounded pursuant to the provisions of this article shall pay all costs and charges assessed for such impoundment before such animal may be released to the owner.

The Pembina City Council is reviewing the ordinances and considering amending them; however, until and unless they are changed, no prohibited animals may be kept within city limits.

To clear up any confusion the City of Pembina would like to provide some guidance for people seeking to hold benefits for individual people, or for the support of charitable organizations.

A gaming permit is required even if the benefit is for a single private individual. While the city would like to be able to allow these private benefits to occur without government bureaucracy,  it is simply not allowed by the Attorney General's Office of the State of North Dakota.

The City of Pembina has the authority to grant gaming permits for private fundraisers/benefits, or for charitable purposes. Please see the auditor in the city office for assistance in filling out the proper forms. 

The City Council would like to remind Citizens/Businesses that they are responsible for the following fees on their vacant lots: water connection (ensures that when the time comes, you'll be able to hook into the water system), M&R (city-wide maintenance and repairs of streets, water & sewer lines), and mosquito fee. Those who've not seen those charges on their vacant lots will start seeing them starting with the 8/25/25 invoices. You may go to the County Auditor's office and request your properties be joined to avoid this fee; however, there are stipulations: you cannot cross alleys, and you will have to sell everything as one unit when you're ready to do so (you may not be able to unjoin the properties)--the County Auditor may have other rules, as well. 

The Board of Pembina County Commissioners is looking for persons interested in serving on County Boards. The Boards that will have positions appointed to are as follows:

Water Resource Board | Social Service Board | County Library Board | County Health Board
Housing Authority Board | Zoning Board | County Reorganization Committee
Job Development Authority | County Historic Preservation Commission

If you would be interested in serving on any of the above Boards/Committees, please contact a County Commissioner or call 265-4231 and leave your name.