Commissioner Coring pushes to replace long‑closed North Coring Road bridge; townships and legislators contacted

Commissioner Coring reported that Saint Matthias and Fort Ripley townships want a replacement for the long‑closed bridge on North Coring Road and that he is helping coordinate next steps with county staff and legislators.

Coring told the board he attended both township meetings and found “they were putting aside money every single year” and that Saint Matthias had saved about $85,000 toward the project. He said Fort Ripley’s town board members also expressed willingness to move forward and that a detailed project packet has been prepared by county highway staff.

Why it matters: The bridge has been closed for many years, and replacing it will restore a transportation connection that some residents and town boards view as important for future access. Coring said the county engineer and administrator will work with him and the townships to identify steps, potential bonding requests and other funding options.

Discussion points and actions

- Township outreach: Coring said he attended Saint Matthias and Fort Ripley meetings and reported strong local interest and some committed township funds.

- Legislative outreach: Coring said he pursued state contacts after a federal outreach opportunity; he asked Representative and Senator offices and reported that state legislators (including Senator Wiesenberg and Representative Kreisha’s office) were receptive and that he had a lawmaker (Josh Heintzeman) agree to help draft a bonding bill request.

- County coordination: Coring asked County Engineer Tim Bray and county administrators to help set a joint meeting with both townships to coordinate technical steps, funding strategy and next milestones. There was no formal board vote; the item was presented as an update and a request for staff coordination.

Clarifications from the meeting

Coring described the bridge as a metal structure with concrete abutments; historically the wooden planks were removed and later recovered. County highway staff digitized a multi‑inch project packet that Coring said he would distribute to commissioners. Coring emphasized he is seeking no county appropriation at present but is seeking coordination to pursue bonding and grant opportunities.

Ending

County staff and Coring will pursue a joint township meeting and follow up with legislators and bonding proponents; commissioners asked for copies of the highway packet and timelines once available.