State of emergency declared over Chipman Trail Bridge

COLFAX — The County Commissioners met Monday morning, Sept. 18, for their workshop meeting, declaring a state of emergency to replace the Chipman Trail Bridge at the request of Public Works Director Mark Storey.

Storey said this was so they could move on replacing the bridge much faster, cutting the standard bidding process altogether.

Storey said the estimated cost for an outside vendor to deliver the top of the bridge or superstructure is $107,000.

“About double that would be what we’d need to build foundations and substructure to put the bridge on,” he said.

Storey said they declared a state of emergency so they could start work on acquiring the materials to replace the bridge.

Commissioners discussed not knowing where the money will come from concerning the project, but officials are looking to build the new bridge in the spring.

“We’re trying to get set up for right after winter ends,” Storey said, noting that fish and wildlife usually won’t let them work in the stream until mid-summer, but they’re hoping to get an early start.

The damaged bridge has a small open pedestrian passage, Storey said, noting that there is temporary fencing. “Once we build the new bridge, it will be open to full-lane traffic,” he said.

The Chipman Trail Bridge, located near milepost 1.5 on the trail between Pullman and Moscow, was allegedly burned down by two boys, ages 13 and 14, of Moscow on Saturday, Aug. 19.

County Commissioner Clerk Corey Mitzemberg said that Commissioner Art Swannack talked about finding a way to help fund the Senior Mobile Food Pantry and working to get money to keep the program going.

Mitzemberg said that audio-visual support was discussed at the meeting.

“The Courts requested audio visual,” she said, adding that the chambers are used as a backup.

Storey confirmed that the internet system went away for several hours Monday, returning at 1 p.m.

Commissioners discussed getting some equipment updated since there have been several issues.

In other news, the County Planner talked to the commissioners about having the planning commission start working on some new code language for a solar power generating facility.

Storey said that the County currently needs the code for siting such facilities.

Commissioners also discussed the color change in water at Granite Point at Wawawai Park, and health officials discussed an upcoming flu shot and COVID-19 Booster for Thursday, Oct. 12.