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New Harmony approves $250,000 contingent pledge toward bridge repairs
Summary
Council voted to commit $250,000 from town funds as a contingent local match to a proposed $20 million federal bridge repair earmark, with the pledge conditioned on passage and appropriation of the federal funds; vote passed 4–0–1 (one abstention).
The New Harmony Town Council voted to commit up to $250,000 as a contingent local match to support repair of the historic (bridal) bridge, with the commitment explicitly conditioned on passage of the federal appropriations bill and release of funds.
Speaking as chair of the bridge authority, the council chair briefed members on recent engineering work and on advocacy by U.S. Sen. Jim Banks. The chair said the project under consideration is a roughly $20,000,000 federal appropriation that would require a 20% local match (about $5,000,000). He said the county commissioners had passed a resolution seeking local support and that the council’s pledge was intended to demonstrate New Harmony’s commitment to unlocking state and federal dollars.
On the possible use and management of the repaired bridge, the chair said the authorities have discussed converting the structure to one lane for vehicular traffic and one lane for pedestrians and that preservation of the historic spans is a priority. "This would be the biggest economic thing that could ever happen to our town," the chair said of the project.
Council members reviewed available internal funds (including a $65,000 CD in a highway proceeds account and other restricted balances) and debated how large a local statement of support should be. Several members suggested the $250,000 figure as a meaningful local contribution to help persuade state and federal partners.
A motion to commit $250,000 contingent on passage of the appropriations bill and appropriate allocation language was moved and seconded and approved by roll call. The meeting minutes record the roll‑call: Jeff (Aye); Laura (Aye); the chair (abstain, citing service on the authority); Connie (Aye); Tom (Aye). Council asked Senator Banks' office to draft formal contingency language and said the town attorney would review any final document before final appropriation.
Next steps: council will work with county and state partners, ask Senator Banks' staff to draft commitment language, and bring any required formal appropriation back to a future council meeting for final approval.
