La Paz County public works reported Oct. 6 that debris from the Oxbow Bridge project has been removed from the river and that recreational access to the Hippie Hole has been restored.

Scott, a county director, told the Board of Supervisors the river has been cleared "and there's nothing in the water anymore." He said crews have cleaned Hippie Hill and the area is reopened for recreation. Scott added that removal of a west-side abutment failed when crews could not lift it with equipment rated for 130,000 pounds; the contractor left the abutment in place and staff described it as an "eyesore" that the county will try to remove in coming weeks.

Public works staff estimated cleanup will continue for a few more weeks to six weeks. Supervisors thanked public works and the state for assistance on the response effort.

No formal action or funding change was taken during the Oct. 6 meeting; the report was given as a current-events update from county administration and public works.