The Burleigh County Highway Department will forgo providing private driveway gravel this summer so it can catch up with weather-induced damages and regular seasonal upkeep of its roads.

The county commission this week suspended the extra service one year at the request of county engineer Marcus Hall.

"We've got a lot of FEMA sites we're working on in addition to all our regular sites," said Hall. "At this point, we're only about 20 percent complete with our operations."

Hall said crews brought in an additional piece of equipment which will allow them to spread 20 percent more gravel. Still, he said crews must focus on the main roads so they will be done by fall.

In a typical road maintenance season, Burleigh County allows private individuals to request three loads of gravel for their rural driveways. Private residents pay for the service.

"It takes additional time to do this in our operation. Right now, we have 200 different driveways asking for that service to be done," he said.

Hall said gravel for the private driveways could take two to three weeks of work. "I am concerned we will not be able get everything done," Hall said.

"I would like a temporary one-year suspension then we can get to all our main line roads," Hall said.

The county commission agreed.

"Our first priority is the county roads and then the township roads," said Commissioner Doug Schonert.

He said it makes more sense to tend to the main roads since motorists still have difficulty making it through their regular routes.

"It will be more of a problem if we don't get the main roads done," said Commissioner Brian Bitner.

In another matter, Hall said portions of Apple Creek Road remain under water, just east of 93rd Street. He estimates that a one-half-to-three-quarter-mile area is under water there and will be pumped in the next 35 days. Two lines will be used in the pumping process.

Hall said the same area flooded about 10 years ago and that also took about month to remove it.

"We do have to look at some long-term solutions in that location," Hall said.

Hall said the county could possibly be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

He said only five residents have a long detour to get around the area. "The worst case is about three miles to get around," he said. A few have their driveways submerged.

In other business, Mary Tello-Pool was appointed to the Burleigh County Board of Health.

The board tentatively set its budgeting schedule. Department requests are due Aug. 7. The commission will first review budget requests Aug. 19 and 20.

On Sept. 2, the board will review the preliminary budget.

A public hearing on final budget and tax levy is set for 5 p.m. Sept. 16.