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Council backs Willie Street bridge mitigation project; staff say buyouts funded separately by FEMA
Summary
Barrie approved a CDBG‑DR application component to widen the bridge approach and create adjacent floodplain at Willie Street to reduce debris and protect access to the water treatment plant. Staff said the package aligns with earlier river‑process priorities and that associated buyouts are funded by FEMA.
The Barrie City Council on Sept. 24 approved including the Willie Street bridge mitigation project in the city’s CDBG‑DR application. City staff said the project — previously scoped by SLR — would widen the bridge, create adjacent floodplain on 572 North Main and reduce debris accumulation at the crossing. Staff emphasized the project’s operational importance: if the bridge failed in a major flood, access to the water treatment plant could be impeded. The manager said the buyouts tied to this project are already funded by FEMA and would proceed independently of the CDBG‑DR application. The council heard questions about debris racks and whether the bridge location had flooded in the past; staff said the bridge itself had not failed but collectors downstream and debris buildup had sent water into neighborhoods during prior events. Staff said the project was well‑received in the state review comments and that the city is "very eager and excited to try to get this funded." The council approved the resolution to include the project.
