The bridge on Pulaski County Road 700 North over Bogus Run is a step closer to getting replaced. The county council decided Monday to move ahead with some of the financial arrangements.
Highway Superintendent Terry Ruff asked for permission to spend $90,000 out of the Special LOIT Distribution Fund, “Which come from that money we got from 2016. We’ve kind of been using that for our nest egg, but we wanted to move $90,000 out of that, so we can use it on that Bridge 154 project,” he explained. “That’s the bridge we’re going to replace up there on 700 North.”
He said that even though construction is just starting this year, the project was actually included in the first round of Community Crossings grants, back in 2016. “Once we get the bridge done, then we’re done with all the 50/50 grants,” he said. “See, last summer, it was the 75/25 Community Crossings grant. So that’s what we’re going to build some roads with this year. I wish we could build a bridge faster, but it’s spread out over two to three years. It takes a long time.”
Auditor Laura Wheeler reminded the council that since that $90,000 expenditure wasn’t included in the Highway Department’s budget, an additional appropriation would be required. Council members voted to advertise the additional appropriation, so it may be approved at an upcoming meeting.
Construction on the bridge is scheduled to start in March.
