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Ruidoso to revisit legacy-bridge designs; FEMA allocated initial $17M but actual costs expected higher
Summary
Engineers will hold public meetings June 16'17 to present new designs for six FEMA-funded legacy bridges; staff said the $17 million allocation is an initial FEMA commitment and actual per-bridge costs may reach multiple millions, so prioritization will focus on single-access bridges.
The village announced public meetings with engineers from Bohan & Houston on June 16 and 17 to present new designs and solicit public input on six FEMA-funded 'legacy' bridge projects. Staff said previous 2022 designs have been scrapped and the engineers are starting fresh with contractor-friendly clear-span designs to speed construction and reduce maintenance obligations.
Staff reported FEMA allocated approximately $17 million under the disaster designation for the six bridges, but cautioned that the $17 million is only a starting point and that costs can vary widely by bridge. "We already know it is not going to be enough," a staffer said, adding that several bridges could cost eight to ten million dollars apiece depending on site conditions. The village expects FEMA to fund about 75% of the eligible cost, the state 18% and the village about 7% under current cost-share rules for the disaster type discussed.
Staff identified priorities focused on community safety and single-access situations: Main Road Bridge 2 and Robin Road were named the two highest priorities because they provide singular ingress/egress to neighborhoods. Other candidates include Sleepy Hollow, North Loop, River Trail and McDaniel.
Engineers will present design alternatives at the two public sessions (same presentation offered twice), which will be a Q&A and open-house format allowing the public to comment; staff said they would share materials via village channels where available.
What happens next: survey and right-of-way work will proceed to finalize designs and allow the village to seek construction bids; staff stressed the need to move quickly because this is the village's last chance to build the bridges under this FEMA allocation.
