After years of legal battles, a settlement has been reached between the Short family, owners of a ranch along the Little Missouri River, and Billings County over a proposed bridge. The dispute arose when the county acquired land on the Short Ranch through eminent domain for the bridge project. The bridge was intended to provide a crossing over the river, reducing the need for long detours for residents. After various shifts in the Billings County Commission’s stance on using eminent domain for the bridge, a settlement was finally reached through mediation.
The settlement agreement resulted in the dismissal of the county’s lawsuit to proceed with eminent domain on the Short family’s land. The family, who has owned the ranch since 1904, expressed gratitude for the decision to honor their agreement and avoid using eminent domain. The settlement also addressed the significant legal costs the family incurred during the dispute. The family’s lawyer stated that the resolution allows them to retain the title to their land, which was their primary goal in the matter.
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