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Funding earmarked for Blackford bridge by Gwen Bolin--gbolin@journalenterprise.com Funding for the completion of the Blackford bridge restoration project is another step closer according to a press release from Senator Mitch McConnell. McConnell announced $250,000 in federal funding for the project is included in the FY ‘04 Transportation Appropriations Conference Report. Webster County Judge-Executive Jim Townsend explained, “That means it has been approved out of the Senate. The next step is for the report to gain acceptance in the House. “It will be voted on with the rest of the transportation funds for the entire United States,” said Townsend. “Chances are high it will receive approval in the House after the first of the year.” The additional funding will be used to help make the bridge passable for emergency vehicles between Blackford and Crittenden County. The bridge will also be used as an outlet for resident during times of flooding by the Tradewater River which is spanned by the historic bridge. “The accessibility of the Blackford bridge affects the welfare of people in Webster County,” said McConnell. “It’s critical to improve the bridge to make it safer and more reliable for residents.” Besides emergency use, upon completion, the bridge can be used as a walking trail. Crittenden County recently received a T21 grant to complete a road leading up to the bridge on the Crittenden County side. Webster County has previously received grants in the amount of $100,000 and $150,000 for phase one and two of the bridge restoration. “These additional funds should enable us to complete the bridge project,” Townsend said. E-Mail this article to a friend.

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