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Legislature rejects rescinding temporary-bridge authorization for Ferguson’s Corners; motion fails 1–13
Summary
A motion to rescind prior authorization for a temporary double-lane bridge during the Ferguson’s Corners bridge rehabilitation failed on July 13; legislators debated costs, farm access and a DOT "yellow flag" safety alert before voting down the rescission.
Legislator Dan Banach moved to rescind Resolution 268-26, which authorized a double-lane temporary bridge during the Ferguson’s Corners bridge rehabilitation. The motion prompted extended debate about the economic impact on nearby farms, federal funding timing, and a recent DOT safety notice.
Supporters of rescission argued the county should not spend an estimated $750,000 on a temporary structure that could ultimately cost $1 million as prices rise, and they urged prioritizing broader county needs. Opponents said removing the temporary-bridge authorization would harm farms that rely on the crossing multiple times daily and could disrupt school bus routes and local businesses.
County staff updates noted the county currently uses a 2023 Federal Rural Block Grant for Milo Street and Ridge Road and will next be eligible for the block grant in 2029; DOT Region 6 indicated the 2029 funds could potentially cover Ferguson’s Corners but that is not guaranteed. Legislators also reported receiving notice from DOT of a second "yellow flag" structural or safety alert for Ferguson’s Corners, a change they said indicated a distinct and new concern in the bridge’s condition.
The roll-call vote was: Banach yes; Jayne, Lawson, Harper, Button, Willson, Killen, Purdy, Bronson, Paddock, MacKerchar, Flynn, Holgate, Church — no. The motion failed.
The Legislature did not adopt the rescission; Res. 268-26 remains in effect.
