Phelps Mill bridge restoration delayed until 2013
Published Saturday, May 10, 2008
Restoration of the historic Phelps Mill bridge has been moved from 2010 to 2013 to allow for additional time for Otter Tail County to set aside the necessary local funds. Postponement of the project also will allow the county Historical Society to possibly secure additional grant funding from other sources.
The proposed project, totaling $341,250, will include a complete restoration of the existing historical bridge structure — for pedestrian use only. The truss bridge was constructed in 1907.
“Our original application took place in 2006, based on a cost estimate prepared at that time,” County Engineer Rick West said. “Construction costs in general have increased greatly since 2006. Based on this information, we’ve recommended to the County Board that we reschedule this project for 2013.”
Otter Tail County has received a federal enhancement grant of $273,000 for the Phelps Mill bridge project.
The grant program is based on an 80 percent federal and 20 percent local (county) cost split. This cost split would provide for the total construction cost of $341,250.
“We’re not proposing the construction of a new bridge, but a complete restoration of the existing historical bridge structure,” West said. “Vehicle use on the bridge will not be allowed. The bridge will be for pedestrian use only.”
The bridge, located in Maine Township, has been closed for several years. It does not have the capability to allow for the three-ton minimum load required for trucks and other vehicles.
West said the new timeline will provide five years to set aside the necessary local funds.
“This is especially important,” he said, “since this the timetable allows the county historical society the needed time to secure an additional grant. We appreciate their involvement with this historical bridge.”
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