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Yates County committee splits over temporary Ferguson Corners bridge after DOT warning
Summary
After a DOT memo advising that a temporary span would not be 95% state-funded and could delay work, the Public Works Committee first voted down continuing without a temporary bridge, then approved a motion to include a double-lane temporary bridge by a verbal 4‑2 count.
The Yates County Public Works Committee on June 1 faced sharp disagreement over whether to add a temporary bridge at Ferguson Corners after county highway staff relayed a DOT memo warning that a temporary structure would not be 95% state-funded and could push the main project into 2028.
Highway Superintendent Doug Rapalee summarized the DOT guidance, telling the committee that installing a temporary bridge could jeopardize access to Bridge NY funds and that officials could not guarantee how long a temporary structure would remain serviceable. Rapalee also flagged safety concerns for local users, including Mennonite residents and horse-and-buggy traffic, if the county relied on a detour or a temporary span.
Community members told the committee the closure is already creating burdens. Jerimiah Tomion, representing Alan Tomion Farms, said the detour would lengthen some farm trips substantially: "it would be approximately 10 miles one way," extending tractor travel time and adding cost to routine operations.
Chair Sarah Purdy moved to continue the Ferguson Corners project without a temporary bridge; that motion was seconded by Terry Button. A roll-call vote recorded Bill Holgate and Dan Banach voting yes, and Button, Jesse Jayne, George Lawson and Purdy voting no. The motion failed.
Button then moved to include a double-lane temporary bridge; Lawson seconded. The committee chair announced a verbal vote of 4‑2 in favor and the motion carried. The meeting record notes a roll call was not taken for that second vote, so individual roll-call votes for that motion were not recorded in the minutes.
County officials said they will continue coordinating with state transportation staff on phasing and funding options before finalizing construction schedules.
