Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Emery County OKs research on historic Casa Dell Bridge, orders closure until repairs
Summary
The commission authorized staff to begin grant research to rehabilitate the National Register–listed Casa Dell (Castle) Bridge and voted to close public access immediately over safety and liability concerns while options and historic requirements are explored.
The Emery County Commission on Aug. 19 authorized staff to begin the research needed to apply for historic-preservation funding to rehabilitate the Casa Dell (often called the Castle) Bridge and voted to close the bridge to the public until repairs make it safe.
Suzanne of the Historic Preservation Commission told the county that the bridge has been placed on the National Register and that grant applications will require information on project costs, the type of match (cash or in‑kind labor) and compliance with preservation standards. "We need to know what requirements there are, what things we need to do to follow now that the bridge has been placed on the National Register of Historic Sites," Suzanne said.
Commissioners and staff discussed prior restoration attempts and insurance implications. County Attorney Olson warned that National Register designation carries requirements that can affect allowable treatments and that some restoration approaches may trigger additional standards. Commissioners also noted that the bridge sits on county‑owned structure although some adjoining land is private and an easement governs maintenance.
After discussing whether temporary board replacement would safely reopen the structure, commissioners moved to begin the research process needed to pursue historic‑preservation grants and to obtain cost estimates and compliance guidance. The motion to begin grant research passed by voice vote.
Separately, commissioners voted to close public access to the bridge "until deemed safe" after members and staff reported rotted deck boards and a small number of holes in the decking. The chair moved the closure and it was seconded and approved by voice vote. County staff said the closure is intended to avoid immediate liability while the county determines whether temporary repairs using appropriate materials would be allowable under preservation standards.
Next steps include commissioning cost estimates, confirming historic‑preservation match requirements, and clarifying insurance coverage; staff did not provide firm timelines for repairs or reopening.
