Here is yet another update. A Clinton County official recently mentioned that the RAISE federal grant is best used when bundling other bridge projects together. The grant is usually awarded to large projects with multiple bridges involved. I mentioned that one of the things we have been pushing for is bundling projects, and that Clinton County could reach out to Essex County and apply for this grant together for a stronger application. Grants would cover 80% of the cost of restoration.

The topic of discussion going forward is how to pay for the remaining 20%, and what will the future of the bridges look like. One of the possibilities being discussed is that the counties would help with the restoration of the bridges, and once the restoration is paid for and completed, donating and turning the bridges over to the towns of Ausable and Chesterfield where they then will be cared for and maintained by those who really love the bridges. This would also allow non-profit organizations to help out in the future.

At the county level it is very difficult for anything to be accomplished because of NYSDOT regulations, multiple counties, multiple towns, multiple DOT regions, etc. This is why nothing has been accomplished in over ten years. Having less municipalities involved makes things much easier to get accomplished. From here it is “What do we want to see done with our bridges?” and also “What is the minimum we are willing to accept”A Historic Rehabilitation is extremely important because of the significance of our bridges.

Having a company with the mostly forgotten knowledge and skills to restore these bridges is extremely important. Of course, we would want our bridges to be reopened to traffic. The bridges could also be used for pedestrian/emergency vehicle traffic, or just as pedestrian bridges.

Because they are on the National Historic Registry, these bridges can not be removed without a lengthy and expensive process. If nothing is done, they will sit there and continue to be eye-sores, and become even more unsafe/dangerous and eventually collapse or cause injury. The best course of action is to take these eye-sores and bring them back to benefit the community for use by locals and tourists. They offer scenic vista of the unique contours of the Ausable River, and provide a link to both sides of the community.

We are so grateful that these conversations are taking place. Nothing is set in stone, and this is all preliminary discussion. On our yard signs we have a quote that says “Let’s Work Together To Find a Solution”.It is these types of discussions that will lead to a solution being found, and we thank all of those involved from the Town of Ausable, Town of Chesterfield, Clinton County and Essex County.

It is certain that there will be roadblocks and barriers to overcome along the way, but an important first step has been made.

**Please remember that these bridges have not been maintained or inspected since 2009. They are nice to visit and look at but please do not go on the bridges. The beams under the decking on the bridges do have section loss, and that’s why they were closed. (This is an easy fix once the restoration happens)**