County commissioners discuss bridges

COLFAX — Whitman County Commissioners discussed the two bridges affected by fires during their 9 a.m. Workshop meeting Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Commissioner Michael Largent mentioned they need to find somebody to fix the Chipman Trail Bridge permanently and thanked Public Works for temporarily opening it.

“It’s a challenge, but we’ll overcome it,” Largent said.

Public Works Director Mark Storey said later in his updates that the cost of repairs for the Chipman Trail Bridge would be approximately $99,960, estimated around March.

Commissioner Art Swannack said they’d have to follow up on the issue because he doubted they could afford to cover wood bridges.

“Almota Grain Company said they’ve simply quit trying to get coverage,” he said, noting that it’s ridiculously high in cost if they do get it.

Swannack said that he thought it was good to think about the infrastructure.

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

Swannack also mentioned that the Winona Trestle could be fixed by the first part of November. “Trying to get them all the pieces so they can get through their working process,” Swannack said, noting that they’re doing well.

Swannack said that there have been senators involved in the process, and he’s also been involved. “Kudos going forward on that,” he said.