Blount County commissioners back effort to repair Dark Island swinging bridge; ownership and cost questions remain

The Blount County Board of Commissioners voted to move Resolution 25‑2‑0‑1‑8 forward to the full commission supporting county highway department efforts to repair and maintain the Dark Island Swinging Bridge in Townsend.

The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Aikard and seconded by Commissioner Bowers; the clerk recorded an 18‑yes vote to forward the resolution with a favorable recommendation from the budget committee.

Public comment at the start of the meeting highlighted local concern for the bridge. “My name is Pat Jenkins. I'm the commissioner at City of Townsend,” Jenkins said during the public‑input period. He described the Dark Island Swinging Bridge on Highway 73 as “a historic structure serving Blount County residents for over 75 years,” calling it part of the Blount County Historic Trail and “a vital emergency pathway for Dark Island's residents in case of emergency evacuation.” Jenkins said the City of Townsend has performed minor maintenance such as removing “love locks,” litter cleanup and replacing occasional boards, but told commissioners that “the scope of the repair needed is beyond our capability.”

During the budget‑committee discussion, Superintendent Hedrick (Highway Department) and other staff reported ongoing research into ownership and structural condition. Hedrick said title and ownership traces are incomplete and staff have identified individuals and deeds on both sides of the river; he told commissioners the county is working with the mayor's office and hopes to have clearer answers by the next meeting. Hedrick also said engineering review is needed to assess moorings and structural components before cost estimates can be prepared.

“I don't want to spend public dollars into a private property without knowing who owns it,” Commissioner Giles said, urging staff to confirm ownership and establish formal agreements. Commissioner Joplin, sponsor of the resolution, said he initially misunderstood the ownership situation when drafting the measure and that the revised resolution is intended to support the superintendent’s efforts to obtain clear title/ownership information and to pursue a durable maintenance arrangement.

Speakers urged an approach that secures long‑term protection for the bridge rather than repeated one‑off repairs. Superintendent Hedrick said engineering staff and a cooperating private engineer will conduct further inspections, including drone footage and on‑site assessments, and that staff will attempt to secure memoranda of understanding and easements where needed. The meeting record does not include a county cost estimate for repairs or ongoing maintenance; Hedrick said that work remains to be done to determine financial requirements.

The commission instructed staff to: (1) continue title and deed research on both sides of the river, (2) obtain an engineering assessment of the bridge's structural condition, including moorings and other underwater elements, and (3) work with the City of Townsend and property owners to explore memoranda of understanding and easement options before any county funding is committed.

The clerk recorded the motion favorably and the resolution will be placed on the agenda for the full commission meeting.