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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The construction of the new Griggs County Courthouse and Emergency Operations Center took another twist in this controversial project that has divided the county.

The controversy started after five county commissioners voted to establish a building bond authority after voters turned down the idea of building a new courthouse in three separate elections. All five commissioners were recalled in a special election and now five new commissioners serve on the board.

Construction began in July of 2013 and the work suddenly stopped in May of 2014. On July 25 the attorney representing the contractor, Construction Engineers, sent a notice to the Griggs County board of commissioners and the Griggs County Building Authority stating that a balance of $709,880 remains due and unpaid to the contractor.

Construction Engineers attorney Scott Landa sent a second letter of notice for contract termination and a demand for mediation to settle the issue on August 20. 

In July, Griggs County board of commission chairman Troy Olson sent a letter to Ron Halvorson, President of the Griggs County Building Authority stating that according to the lease agreement it doesn’t appear that Griggs County bears any burden of constructing the facility. It appears that failure to construct the facility is a breach of the Griggs County Building Authority’s contractual obligation.  

Olson also stated that the lease does not contain language that binds the county to use the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) grant funds for the construction of the facility.

But Griggs County Building Authority attorney Lee Grossman issued a response that stated the EOC grant was awarded to Griggs County for the specific purpose of constructing facilities that will be used by Griggs County during an emergency.

Grossman says the county’s failure to comply with the lease agreement and the EOC grant is putting federal grant money at risk. He says without the grant money the county is solely responsible for the remaining costs required for completion of the building.

Grossman says further delays could result in the county being responsible for the remaining costs of the project, which could range from $700,000 to more than a $1 million dollars.

A request by the contractor, Construction Engineers, to pursue mediation has been made to see if these differences can be settled and construction can resume.