Clinton County lawmakers approve $5.44 million bid for Keysville Main Street bridge; county told it may cover overruns

The Clinton County Legislature on June 10 voted to award a contract to rehabilitate the Main Street bridge in Keysville after transportation staff reported the lowest responsive bid was about $5.44 million.

Committee members said federal and state funding for the project are being provided only up to stated maximums, so the county would be responsible for any amount above those capped contributions. Transportation staff also explained that the county’s share in the current package was reduced by roughly $200,000 after moving construction engineering into a separate contract.

Legislators asked how the county would control potential overages; the legislature was told the county would be responsible for any excess costs beyond the capped federal and state contributions. Members noted that the county will pursue discussions with Essex County — which owns the other side of the bridge — about potential contributions.

The motion to award the bid and adopt the related resolution (Resolution 459) proceeded following committee recommendation and a roll‑call vote recorded by the clerk. The project manager and transportation committee provided the details to the legislature during the committee report and the resolution consideration.

Next steps: the county will finalize the contract award and proceed with separate contracting for construction engineering; legislators said staff will continue to monitor costs and explore intergovernmental assistance from Essex County.