Revised bridge program could be boon for county

Marion County might benefit from the reinstatement of a state program designed to reduce the number of deficient bridges on local roads.

County engineer Brice Goebel told commissioners Monday that the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement program will pay $140,000 per location to build local bridges.

“It does not have to meet federal guidelines,” Goebel said.

One county bridge collapsed during last week’s flooding that brought more than seven inches of rain at Tampa, Goebel told commissioners. Road and bridge department employees worked to reopen the county road where the bridge collapsed, but the repair is temporary.

“We’ll have to figure out a more permanent fix,” Goebel said.

According to Kansas Department of Transportation, the program has been updated and will accept applications beginning today.