Bridge extension goes before commissioners

The Flathead County commissioners on Thursday will consider an amendment to a lakeshore construction permit for a controversial private bridge on the north shore of Flathead Lake.

The permit is held by Jolene Dugan, the daughter of Roger Sortino, who has been coordinating with the Flathead County Planning Office to obtain the permit amendment.

The county issued a stop-work order on bridge construction last month because the length of the bridge far exceeded the length that was authorized by the permit.

Sortino was permitted to build a bridge 481 feet long with 76 pilings. He is seeking an amendment that would allow a 620-foot long bridge with 48 pilings. The bridge would stretch from the north shore property that Sortino’s family owns to Dockstader Island, which also is owned by the family.

An “impervious surface” formula in lakeshore regulations allows Sortino to build up to 14,865 square feet of structure over the water. Even with the longer bridge, the project will involve 9,920 square feet of impervious surface, well below what is permissible under the formula.

Some Bigfork residents have been highly critical of the bridge, saying it will be an eyesore on the lake.

The commissioners are scheduled to discuss the permit amendment at 9:45 a.m. Thursday.

County Planning Director B.J. Grieve said county regulations do not provide for public hearings for standard lakeshore permits.

However, the commissioners have a general public comment period that starts at 9:15 a.m. Thursday.