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Resident urges Ramsey County to decline state bridge‑removal grant; commissioners weigh inspection and reuse options
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Summary
A Church's Ferry farmer asked Ramsey County commissioners not to accept a state bridge‑removal grant for a roadway bridge south of Church's Ferry, arguing the structure could be useful when water recedes; commissioners discussed inspection costs, grant deadlines and the option to decline and reapply.
Steve Ivy, a resident and farmer near Church’s Ferry, told the Ramsey County Commission he opposed taking a state grant that would fund removal of a bridge south of Church’s Ferry, saying the bridge has been usable in past dry cycles and could be restored with modest gravel and blading when water levels fall.
"This bridge is very could be vital for us in the future," Ivy said, describing past periods when the road and bridge were usable and urging the county to consider raising or repairing the bridge rather than removing it.
Commission staff and commissioners discussed technical and financial constraints. The superintendent said the state pays 85% of underwater bridge inspection costs and that the county’s local share is roughly 15%. Staff noted the bridge had passed an earlier inspection but said heavy harvest traffic could change that and an underwater inspection would be necessary before reopening. Commissioners also said the county could decline the grant now and potentially reapply later if circumstances change.
No final determination to accept or decline the grant was made at the meeting; the board directed staff to return with more information and scheduled discussion at the next meeting to meet the state’s construction‑season timelines.
