Supreme Court considers Original Jurisdiction

Written By Ann Richardson

The bridge will have its day in court.

The Friends of the Rail Bridge petitioned the ND Supreme Court to take original jurisdiction on Burlington Northern Sante Fe’s plans to destroy the iconic 1883 Missouri River rail bridge between Bismarck and Mandan.

The petition has been considered and oral arguments are scheduled for August 21.

It is extremely rare for the Supreme Court to take original jurisdiction.

FORB’s petition asks the Court to issue a stay on the Department of Water Resources permits to build a new bridge and destroy the historic bridge. It seeks a supervisory writ or order regarding state agencies’ responsibilities to historic structures located on state land.

FORB does not oppose a new bridge. Our only interest is in preserving the historic bridge.

Ann Richardson
Next

Second Department of Water resources Public Meeting