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Lewis County approves late application for Moose River bridge feasibility study, warns of 3‑ton posting and potential closure
Summary
A late resolution authorizing application to the Northern Border Regional Commission could fund up to $1 million for a feasibility study and up to $5 million for construction for a Moose River Road bridge. Board members noted the bridge is posted at 3 tons and could be closed if the posting is reduced, affecting landowners and logging operations.
The Legislature approved a late resolution authorizing Lewis County to apply for Northern Border Regional Commission timber-for-transit funding to complete a feasibility study for replacement of a bridge on Moose River Road and to pursue construction funding if awarded.
Staff said the grant allows up to $1,000,000 for a feasibility study and up to $5,000,000 for construction; they also indicated the county expects the actual study and construction costs to be considerably less than the maximums. A legislator noted the bridge has been under discussion for more than 30 years and is currently posted at a 3‑ton limit; if the limit is lowered further, the bridge could be closed, which would require affected landowners (including a timber company) to use alternate routes.
Board members discussed a 20% local match for the grant and whether previously completed engineering work could reduce the study scope; staff said some engineering work had been completed and bridge removal/return costs for state‑loaned Bailey bridges would be included in the engineering so FEMA or the grant could reimburse them. The resolution carried with two recorded opposing votes (Mike and Barry).
