Jill Schramm/MDN The Anne Street Bridge, which has been closed to pedestrian traffic since the 2011 flood, stands in downtown Minot as a train moves under a portion of the bridge span Tuesday.

An effort to look realistically at what might be accomplished led the Minot City Council on Monday to eliminate about $100 million in spending from its proposed 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

The adopted plan of $804.6 million is down from the originally proposed $955.2 million. The plan guides the city in pursuing projects over the next five years .

The reductions reflect the council’s preference for remodeling of the existing police station, costing an estimated $18 million, rather than building new, costing about $75 million. The CIP also no longer includes a $96 million wastewater treatment plant, with the exception of $11 million in engineering in 2030. A wastewater treatment plant would be needed only if the population reaches level that isn’t anticipated in the next five years or federal rules become more strict regarding wastewater handling, according to information previously provided to the council at a CIP review meeting.

The council engaged in the most discussion on whether to remove an estimated $8.4 million for replacement of the closed Anne Street Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Minot. It wasn’t the first time the council debated the bridge, but this time, the bridge found itself in real jeopardy.

“You look at needs and wants. I think this is extreme. It would be nice to have a pedestrian bridge, but we can’t afford it,” council member Scott Samuelson said.

City Manager Harold Stewart said the council has left the bridge in the CIP as a placeholder in case federal or state money can be found to pay for it.

“To date, staff has not been successful in finding any of that funding,” he said. However, he said a bridge replacement proposal could strengthen an application for a state Destination Tourism grant, which is being looked at to help fund a potential park in that area.

Council member Mike Blessum said even if a federal grant can be found, the bridge may not be good stewardship of federal dollars. The best option is to undertake a private fundraising effort, he said.

Council member Paul Pitner advocated for leaving the bridge in the CIP as a placeholder. A decision on the bridge isn’t likely during his time on the council but future generations may have the opportunity to figure out a way to make the project happen, he said.

“I just want to make sure that we are available and open to these ideas if funds do become available,” he said.

Council member Lisa Olson said a placeholder doesn’t cost money but it has exhausted the time of staff in trying to find federal funds that aren’t available.

“I believe it also sends a message to our community that we are still considering allocating funds toward that, and it’s been very clear in the discussion that we’re not,” she said.

The decision to remove the bridge came on a 5-1 vote, with dissent from Pitner. The council then voted unanimously to approve the CIP.