Anamosa council votes to draft proposal to repair Dillon Military Bridge in place

Anamosa City Council members voted unanimously on June 9 to direct city staff and the contracted engineer to draft a written proposal asking Jones County to partner on rehabilitating the Dillon Military Bridge in place.

Council member Dan Smith moved “to repair the bridge in place,” a motion seconded on the floor; the roll call vote was recorded as unanimous. The motion directs city staff and HR Green to prepare a proposal, including funding scenarios and grant packages, for supervisors’ consideration. “I’d like to make a motion to repair the bridge in place,” the mover said during the meeting.

The decision follows a presentation from HR Green that outlined three primary options: in-place rehabilitation (engineer estimates concentrated critical work such as pin replacement and abutment repairs), relocation to the bank, or full removal. City staff and the contracting engineer will assemble grant applications and a budgeted plan for the county’s review. A city official said staff expect to deliver a written proposal to the supervisors within about two weeks.

Why it matters: the bridge is both a local historic landmark and a pedestrian safety link used by residents and visitors. The city vote does not obligate county funds; supervisors repeatedly told attendees they need a formal written proposal and clear cost-sharing terms before committing taxpayer dollars.

What happens next: HR Green will assemble a grant-and-scope package for the city’s proposal; the county supervisors will consider that package at a future meeting and retain final approval over any financial commitment.