Committee approves design contract and Bridge NY agreement for Falls Road bridge replacement

Tompkins County's Facilities and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday approved two resolutions to advance replacement of the Falls Road bridge over Gannett Creek in the Town of Ulysses.

The first resolution (ID 13223) authorizes a contract with Fisher Associates to provide design and right-of-way services for the replacement. The second (ID 13220) authorizes the state-local agreement that allows the county to incur project costs up front and be reimbursed from Bridge NY funds for eligible expenses.

County staff told the committee the bridge project was selected for a Bridge NY award and that retaining the current bridge's historic appearance is a priority because of the structure's location adjacent to a park. The consultant-led design is expected to aim to "make the new bridge look exactly like the old bridge," staff said. The project team also noted that historic considerations may increase costs compared with a conventional replacement.

Committee members pressed staff about traffic impacts and construction timing; staff said the project is at an early stage of a multi-year process with public comment periods, and that construction could be scheduled to minimize peak-season tourism impacts. Staff estimated traffic detours could cause impacts lasting several months while work is underway, though exact durations will depend on final design and procurement.

During discussion, staff said the Bridge NY award for the project is "over $5,000,000." When asked about local costs and reimbursement, staff explained the state-local agreement language uses "may be reimbursed" but confirmed that, once the state obligates funds, eligible project costs are sequestered for reimbursement.

The motions were moved by Legislator Greg Mazzi and seconded by Legislator Randy Brown; both carried unanimously among members present. Committee members also approved a capital appropriation associated with the project (appropriation shown in the agenda materials as $5,160,000 with a local share noted as $410,000 of debt) and staff said final cost breakdowns and federal-state/local percentages will be included in upcoming materials as design advances.

Staff recommended continued coordination with the parks department on aesthetics and public outreach during the Federal-aid process. The committee authorized the contracts and agreements so the county can proceed with design, right-of-way activities and to document the Bridge NY reimbursement pathway.

Votes: the committee approved the design contract authorization (ID 13223) and the Bridge NY implementation agreement (ID 13220) by unanimous voice votes among members present.