Delaware County Commissioners voted Dec. 1 to provide a local funding commitment of $11,247,000 toward replacing Bridge 509 on McGalliard Road, a crossing the county engineer said carries roughly 16,000 vehicles per day.

County Engineer Dean Thomas told the board the county is applying for federal bridge funds that would require an 80/20 match and asked commissioners to pledge the local share from the cumulative bridge fund. "We are applying for funding, to have this bridge redone," Thomas said, and outlined a schedule with design beginning in fiscal year 2027 and construction in fiscal year 2032.

Commissioners voted by roll call to approve the financial commitment. The recorded vote was Commissioner Brand: Yes; Commissioner Reagan: Yes; Commissioner Henry: Yes.

The county will incorporate the local match into the federal grant application and proceed with preliminary design work. Thomas said staff and consultants will prepare the grant materials and move forward with scheduling and cost estimates as part of the design phase.

The approval does not commit construction contracts today but secures the local funding pledge necessary for the federal application and subsequent design work. The county will return to the commissioners for any required contract approvals and specific appropriation of construction funds.