Committee authorizes engineering agreement with NYSDOT for Bridge 920 replacement under Bridge NY program

The Chautauqua County Public Facilities Committee on Nov. 10 authorized entering into an agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation to advance a federal-aid project to replace the superstructure on County Bridge 920, located on the Baker Street extension near Cummins.

Drew Rogers, Deputy Director of Public Facilities Engineering, said the project is funded through the Bridge New York program and that the engineering phase for County Bridge 920 is $350,000, with 95% of that amount covered by federal funding and 5% by local funds. "This resolution is to authorize entering into an agreement with New York State DOT for a project to replace the superstructure on County Bridge 920," Rogers said. He described the engineering phase as $350,000 and the overall project as roughly $2.5 million, with construction estimated at about $2.1 million.

Committee members asked why the resolution was submitted late; Rogers said it was delayed in the county's New World accounting/approval process and therefore did not appear on an earlier agenda. A commissioner asked what would happen if federal funds were withheld; Rogers said the county would need to find another funding source or hold the project but emphasized the bridge ultimately needs repair. The committee clarified the resolution authorizes the engineering phase only; subsequent approvals will be required to move the project into construction.

The committee approved the resolution by voice vote.