The Burleigh County Commission gave its approval to the Long Range Transportation Plan developed by Ulteig Engineers Inc. for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, whose federal funding is dependent on developing such a study every five years.

Ulteig's Steve Grabill explained that the study had been under development since last March and identifies short- and long-range projects thatcan receive federal dollars. The study does not bind the county to undertake the identified projects nor provide a detailed analysis of any one project. The project does identify projects needing additional study and corridor preservation needs.

"The study is also multimodal and looks a much more than just roads," Grabill noted. "It looked at the existing trail system and came up with extensions. The study also supports Northern Plains Commerce Centre construction and recognizes roadway improvements that will be needed over time."

Bob Harms, representing landowners in southeast Bismarck in an area between Bismarck and the city of Lincoln, asked the commission to defer any action on approving the plan. He asked for more hearings on the plan to allow for more public participation, noting that the hearings that were held were not well-attended.

"The Northern Plains Commerce Centrer is being developed, but I'm not sure whether its impact is being fully addressed," Harms said. "This should be a well thought-out plan rather than piecemeal."

While the commissioners were sympathetic to Harms' appeal, they unanimously approved adoption of the plan.

In other activity, the commission:

3 Approved a motion to draw up a separate job description for the position of jail administrator. The position is currently part of the sheriff's duties.

3 Approved a motion allowing an offer to be made to fill the position of human resources director.

3 Tabled a motion to provide $15,000 in funding to the Bismarck-Mandan Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee.

3 Tabled a decision on creating a special assessment district for the Shamrock Acres Subdivision for the purpose of paving roads.

3 Revisited decisions on county participation in the Missouri River Joint Water Board and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding for management of the Missouri Valley Fairgrounds complex.

The agreements are currently under review by the state's attorney and the commission made no changes to its previous decisions to approve the agreements.

3 As the Park Board, it approved Commissioner Claus Lembke's request to hold a public input hearing on the development and management of property adjacent to the Burnt Boat landing. The property is currently under the jurisdiction of the State Water Commission.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)