Falls City asks Polk County for letter to support Dayton Street pedestrian bridge funding request

Falls City city manager AJ Foscale asked the Polk County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 31 for a county letter of support to accompany a submission to the Oregon Legislative Water Caucus needs-assessment process for repairs or replacement of the Dayton Street pedestrian bridge.

The bridge, which once carried vehicles until about 1960 and was converted to pedestrian use in the mid-1960s, carries the city’s water and wastewater pipes across the river. Foscale told commissioners the structure has deteriorated in recent years, is beginning to lean, and that the city has secured a separate grant to pay for a seismic analysis planned for January to determine whether repair or replacement is needed.

The city’s current cost estimate ranges widely. Foscale said project costs could be between about $500,000 and $1.5 million “depending on what the actual outcome of the analysis is,” but acknowledged the final figure could be higher after engineering work; she cited an example of a similar regional bridge that rose from a $3.5 million estimate to a $6 million final cost. The bridge spans roughly 162 feet, Foscale said, and carries pipelines that serve the south side of Falls City.

Commissioners pressed for more specificity before Polk County signs a support letter. “We don’t have an engineering study. We don’t have anything laid out that says, here’s what we propose to build or repair,” the board chair said, noting the Legislative Water Caucus process is competitive and that a vague ask could weaken the application. Commissioner Gordon recommended asking first for design-phase funding and then pursuing construction dollars in a later round if the seismic analysis shows replacement is required.

Foscale said the city’s documentation includes a 2017 water master plan and more recent facilities planning in which the bridge and wastewater expansion have been identified; she said only about one-third of the city is currently on the wastewater system (roughly 30 properties served) and that expanding or stabilizing the bridge is critical because a failure could cut water pressure and sewer service to the south side.

No formal county vote was recorded on the letter request. Commissioners directed Foscale to revise the draft support letter to describe a phased approach (initial design/engineering followed by construction if warranted), include the results of the upcoming seismic analysis when available, and provide cost ranges for both design and construction. Foscale agreed to redraft the letter and send it to commissioners for review.

Background: The request was submitted through a League of Oregon Cities notice and the Legislative Water Caucus online needs-assessment form; the caucus is collecting requests to inform legislative priorities and possible allocations to water infrastructure projects statewide.