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Bridges & Structures

 

Descriptions of FY2000 Funded Bridge Projects

Clarkson/Legg Covered Bridge over Crooked Creek- Cullman Co, Alabama

This is a Town lattice truss bridge, 96 years old, 270' two span, and the second longest covered bridge in the southern US. It represents an era of civil engineering dating from 1840 to early 1900. The bridge was built in 1902, repaired extensively in 1922 after flood damage, then completely restored in 1975. In 1974 it was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge carries and will continue to carry pedestrian traffic because of insufficient height and width for other traffic uses. It is bypassed by, but can be seen from an adjacent concrete bridge. The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has certified that preservation of the bridge is warranted in accordance with SHPO's Statewide historic preservation plan. Major rehabilitation is planned of this bridge including the use of prestressing tendons to reduce creep in the of the lower chords which will be monitored for two years.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $418,200
Other Sources: $108,800
Total $527,000
Award amount: $400,000

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Comstock Covered Bridge - East Hampton, Connecticut

This is one of the three remaining covered bridges in Connecticut. Of the three, it is the only one still carrying its own weight with the original timber superstructure. The main span is a 90 ft. long Howe truss built in approximately 1840. It is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, remaining original Howe truss in existence. The truss and floorbeams date from the original time of construction, including the original iron rods. The approach span is a 36 ft. long Queen post pony truss constructed in 1791. The bridge carries pedestrian traffic in a state park setting, and will continue to be a pedestrian bridge after preservation/rehabilitation work. In 1974, major rehabilitation was conducted which included removal of a 12" negative camber, and strengthening of the bridge. The State notes that the negative camber is returning, the truss is getting out of plumb in opposite directions at each end, and the wood has biological deterioration, although the extent is unknown. The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has certified that preservation of the bridge is warranted in accordance with SHPO's Statewide historic preservation plan.

The work proposed is planned to be conducted in 4 phases:

  1. Study phase - perform detailed inspection and analysis, and make recommendations for rehabilitation
  2. Design phase
  3. Rehabilitation phase
  4. Project report phase

The amount award is for the 'Study phase' ($84,800). Funding of other phases will be considered after reviewing the recommendations at completion of this phase.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $482,800
Other Sources: $120,825
Total $603,625
Award amount: $84,800

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Thompson Mill Covered Bridge over Kaskaskia River- Shelby Co, Illinois

This is a five span 161.2 ft long and 10.6 ft wide bridge built in 1868. It is one of five 19th century covered bridges in Illinois and one of only two of the Howe truss types. The bridge is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has certified that preservation of the bridge is warranted in accordance with SHPO's Statewide historic preservation plan. The proposed work includes design and installation of an alarm and sprinkler system.

Funding: FHWA funds requested:   $96,000
Other Sources:   $24,000
Total $120,000
Award amount: $96,000

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Norris Ford Covered Bridge - Rush County Bridge #100, Rush County, Indiana

This is a 148 ft long single span Burr Arch truss built in 1916. It has a clear roadway width of 14.7 ft and serves a mixture of personal, commercial and agricultural vehicles. The floor system consists of two layers Oak deck supported on longitudinal stringers made of Northern Pine. The stringers are supported by transverse floor beams, also made of Northern Pine. The floor beams are supported by trusses made also of Northern Pine. The bridge was built by E.L. Kennedy & Sons and is one of 13 remaining bridges of the 58 built by the Kennedys. The work proposed would rehabilitate the bridge to cater to today's traffic. It would not carry the State's legal load but would be able to carry school busses and emergency vehicles. The rehabilitated bridge would have a 10 ton load limit as opposed to 3 tons, today. Proposed work includes replacing the floorbeams and stringers with glued laminated members; providing supporting bracing of the vertical members and diagonals; and in general strengthening the bridge.

The application states that there are no members of the bridge that use pressure treated lumber. It is strongly recommended that any new wood used on the structure be pressure treated. The State has a historic bridge inventory, but not a formal management plan.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $220,000
Other Sources:   $55,000
Total $275,000
Award amount: $200,000

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State Sanatorium Covered Bridge - Parke County, Indiana

This is a 156 ft long single span Kingpost truss Burr Arch, built in 1913 with a clear roadway width of 16 ft. The bridge is currently closed to traffic. The work proposed includes relocating the bridge to the site of another covered bridge which was destroyed by wind in 1989. It will be used mostly by the Amish community living in this area. It is planned to raise the structure off the existing abutments, brace and strengthen it, then transport it to its new location. All worn and deteriorated members will be replaced. After rehabilitation the bridge will have a 16-1/2 ton load limit. The State has a historic bridge inventory, but not a formal management plan.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $780,962.40
Other Sources: $195,240.60
Total $976,203.00
Award amount: $600,000

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Snow Hill Road Covered Bridge - Franklin County, Indiana

This bridge built in 1885 was originally a 84 ft long single span structure. Concrete piers were added under the truss in 1987 to form a 3 span bridge. The bridge width is 14.4 ft. It is currently posted at 3 tons, and will be 16 tons after rehabilitation. This is one of two wooden covered bridges on the Franklin County highway system. Proposed work includes measures to prevent stream scour, replacement of the floor system, and inspection and required restoration of all main truss members and vertical rods. All new wood will be pressure treated in accordance with AWPA standards. Funding has been secured from the Transportation Enhancement Funds, and local funds will be provided as necessary. The State has a historic bridge inventory, but not a formal management plan.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $109,000
Other Sources: $416,000
Total $525,000
Award amount: $100,000

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Medora Covered Bridge - Jackson County, Indiana

This is the longest covered bridge in the United States at 430' 5" length. It is a three span Burr Arch truss with a clear width of 16' built in 1875. Previous repair work has included mostly 'band-aid' repairs. This bridge was bypassed in 1972, and is closed to all traffic. Restoration work planned will repair deterioration of substructure, repair arches and plumb trusses, replace decayed wood, and repair siding and roof. At completion the bridge will be open to automobile, and light vehicle traffic. The State has a historic bridge inventory, but not a formal management plan.

Funding: FHWA funds requested:   $69,000
Other Sources: $617,400
Total $687,000
Award amount: $69,600

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Imes, Cutlier-Donahue, Hogback, Holliwell, Roseman, and Cedar covered bridges - Madison County, Iowa

The project involves preservation of six existing covered bridges in the County through painting or staining, and on a couple of bridges, sealing the cedar roofs. The bridges were built between 1871 and 1884. Previous work has included new roofs, siding, structural repairs, and painting between 1992 and 1997. All bridges except Cedar Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic. The State has a historic bridge inventory and a historic management plan is in progress.

  1. Imes bridge is a 82 ft long Town Lattice truss built in 1870 - 1871 by J.P. Clark. It has two wood trestle approaches.
  2. Cutler - Donahue bridge is a 82 ft long Town Lattice truss built by Eli Cox in 1871. It has two wood tress approaches.
  3. Hogback bridge is a 98 ft long Town Arch Lattice truss with three wood approaches totalling 160 feet, built by H.P. Jones in 1884.
  4. Holliwell bridge is a 109 ft Bowed Arch truss with two wood approaches totaling 155 ft built by H.P. Jones in 1880.
  5. Roseman bridge is a 104 ft Town Arch Lattice truss with four wood approaches totaling 205 ft built by H.P. Jones in 1883.
  6. Cedar bridge is a 70 ft town Arch Lattice truss with three wood approaches totaling 130 ft built by H.P. Jones in 1883.
Funding: FHWA funds requested: $4,400
Other Sources: $1,100
Total $5,500
Award amount: $4,400

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Bennett's Mill Covered Bridge - Greenup County, Kentucky

This 1855 bridge is a single span Wheeler truss 158'-6" in length with a clear width of 15'-11" and a vertical clearance of 14'-5". The bridge is open to vehicular traffic and is rated at 3 tons. This is one of 13 remaining covered bridges in Kentucky. Previous repairs include truss repair, new siding and roof around 1915; roof replacement in 1925; and floor beams and lower chords replaced or repaired following damage from an overloaded vehicle in 1976. Proposed work includes replacement of deteriorated members to restore the structural integrity of the bridge. The load capacity will be raised to approximately 8 tons. Anti-graffiti clear sealant, insect treatment and a fire retardant treatment are also proposed. The State has a historic bridge inventory/ management plan accepted by SHPO.

Funding: FHWA funds requested:    $908,000
Other Sources:    $227,000
Total $1,135,000
Award amount: $600,000

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Bennett Covered Bridge - Oxford County, Maine

Built in 1901, this is a single span 93 ft. long, 15 ft. wide Paddleford type truss bridge. The bridge is on original alignment, and is currently open to pedestrians only. This bridge is the latest of five identified Paddleford Truss bridges from 1857 to 1898. Previous work has been done on the bridge to repair or replace deteriorated members. The bridge remains composed of solid sawn and laminated timber beams, and vertical plank siding. The roof if of corrugated metal. Currently the easterly truss is leaning downstream. The truss has been temporarily braced at the portals by cables and steel rods secured to the ground. Proposed work includes restoring the trusses back to plumb, replacing deteriorated elements; and replacing the metal roof with an original wooden roof. The State has recently completed an inventory of its historic bridges.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $680,000
Other Sources: $170,000
Total $850,000
Award amount: $581,404

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Fitches Covered Bridge - Delaware County, New York

This bridge was originally built in 1870 and located within the Village of Delhi. In 1885 it was dismantled and relocated to its current site about 3 miles north of Delhi to make room for a 'modern' iron bridge. The Fitches bridge is a 100 ft single span, single lane Town lattice style truss open to vehicular traffic with a 3 ton weight limit. It was accepted for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The Bridge is scheduled for major rehabilitation. Final design is currently underway with plans for completion in 2000, and construction to be completed in 2001. Proposed work includes dismantling the plank lattice trusses to determine the extent of deterioration, and replacement; replacement of bottom chord with sawn lumber; replacement of the flooring; removal of exterior buttresses and insertion of internal bracing system; and replacement of deteriorated concrete caps of the abutment, and retention of the stone abutment. The rehabilitation will upgrade the bridge to a H15 vehicle loading, however the State plans to keep the 3 ton load posting to discourage heavier bridges on the structure. The State is currently in the process of updating its inventory of historic bridges that was completed in 1984.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $270,000
Other Sources:   $66,000
Total $336,000
Award amount: $270,000

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Eakin Mill Covered Bridge - Vinton County, Ohio

This bridge built in 1870 spans 111 ft. It is a double multiple Kingpost with an Arch, and is presently closed to all traffic. Since closure it has fallen into major disrepair. Previous work includes adding iron suspension system to supplement the trusses, and addition of steel channels under the bridge for load distribution. Proposed work includes restoring the structure to a safe condition to carry passenger vehicles and light trucks (H-10 loading). Timber frame construction methods similar to the original construction is proposed. The intent is not so much to strengthen the bridge but to restore it to its original capacity. The state has a historic bridge inventory and a programmatic agreement for historic bridges.

The application states that fire retardant treatments, and coats of stain will be used, but it has nothing on wood preservatives. Although roofing and siding will protect the wood from moisture migration which can provide grounds for biological deterioration, it is still strongly recommended that any new wood used be pressure treated in accordance with AWPA standards following best management practices.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $669,200
Other Sources: $167,300
Total $836,500
Award amount: $500,000

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Ponn Covered Bridge - Vinton County, Ohio

This bridge built in 1874 spans 180 feet across Raccoon Creek. This bridge has a humpback-like feature which makes it the only one of its kind in Ohio. The south end of the bridge is a double Queenpost Truss, the north end is a Multiple Kingpost Truss and the middle is a combination of a Multiple Kingpost with an Arch. The bridge is currently open to pedestrian traffic and will remain a pedestrian bridge after rehabilitation. Proposed work includes rehabilitating the bridge to a structurally safe condition. Deteriorated or fractured members will be replaced with members of like material and size. Timber frame construction methods similar to the original construction will be used in the rehabilitation. It is planned to restore the bridge to its original capacity. The state has a historic bridge inventory and a programmatic agreement for historic bridges.

The application states that fire retardant treatments, and coats of stain will be used, but it has nothing on wood preservatives. Although roofing and siding will protect the wood from moisture migration which can provide grounds for biological deterioration, it is still strongly recommended that any new wood used be pressure treated in accordance with AWPA standards following best management practices.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $400,467
Other Sources: $100,117
Total $500,584
Award amount: $400,000

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Hills Covered Bridge - Washington County, Ohio

This bridge built in 1878 is a Howe truss bridge. It consists of two approach spans of 30 ft each and a main span of 112 ft. Existing piers are the original stone piers. Repairs done in 1989 included partial new siding, roof repairs and repainting. Proposed work consists of rehabilitating the bridge to a structurally safe condition. The bridge is currently open to pedestrian traffic only and will remain so after rehabilitation. Timber frame construction methods similar to the original construction will be used. The state has a historic bridge inventory and a programmatic agreement for historic bridges.

The application states that fire retardant treatments, and coats of stain will be used, but it has nothing on wood preservatives. Although roofing and siding will protect the wood from moisture migration which can provide grounds for biological deterioration, it is still strongly recommended that any new wood used be pressure treated in accordance with AWPA standards following best management practices.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $107,236
Other Sources:  $26,804
Total $134,045
Award amount: $107,236

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Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge - Columbiana County, Ohio

This bridge was built in 1875-76 and is an 8-panel, single-span, Multiple Kingpost Truss. The overall length is 67 ft with a clear span of 63 ft. The width is 11'4", with a height of 10 ft. The bridge was in daily use from 1875 to 1992 when it was bypassed by a concrete bridge. It is one of five covered bridges remaining in Columbiana County and is one of two on its original site. Application to the National Register was submitted to the National Register of Historic Places in June, 2000. Proposed work includes complete restoration of the structure to as built condition. The bridge will continue to be used for pedestrian use after work is complete. The state has a historic bridge inventory and a programmatic agreement for historic bridges.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $270,960
Other Sources:   $67,740
Total $338,700
Award amount: $200,000

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Fisher School Covered Bridge - Lincoln County, Oregon

This bridge built in 1919 is the fifth oldest Howe truss in Oregon. The bridge's unique features include semi-elliptical portal arches, ribbon openings, and flared side walls. It is the longest span covered bridge in the county at 72 ft. The bridge was bypassed in 1975 with a prestressed concrete bridge, and is currently open for pedestrian use only. After restoration it will be open to pedestrian and maintenance vehicles. Proposed work includes major rehabilitation including new piling, replacement of floor beams, deck, stringers, siding, and roof. All new wood will be treated with Pentachlorophenol wood preservative in accordance with WWPA standards.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $328,000
Other Sources:   $82,000
Award amount: $300,000

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Knapps Covered Bridge - Bradford County, Pennsylvania

This is a 89 foot single span Burr Truss built in 1853. The bridge is currently closed until rehabilitation is complete, after which it will be posted to 6 tons. Proposed work includes painting, repair or replacement of truss members, timber deck and timber arch members, and work on abutments. "Headache" bars and timber curbing will also be installed to protect trusses from vehicular impact.

The application states that four options were being evaluated for arch replacement, solid-sawn Douglas Fir, Glued-laminated timbers, steam-bent timbers and exotic hardwood of EKKI. The use of EKKI wood is discouraged as there have been instances of relatively fast deterioration of this wood several places in the US.

Funding: FHWA funds requested:    $90,000.00
Other Sources: $1,180,455.04
Total $1,270,455.04
Award amount: $90,000

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Patterson Covered Bridge - Columbia County, Pennsylvania

This bridge is a 81 ft. single span Burr Truss built in 1875. It is open to local traffic, posted at 3 tons. Proposed work includes painting, repair or replacement of truss members, timber deck, and timber members, modification of bridge portals, abutment repair and backfilling of scour hole, and installation of 'headache bars' and timber curbing to protect trusses from vehicular impact.

Formal design studies have yet to be done for this bridge, therefore the amount funded is for the 'preliminary engineering' phase. Funding of other phases will be considered after reviewing recommendations from the preliminary engineering work.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $260,000
Other Sources: $665,000
Total $925,000
Award amount: $100,000

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Sanderson Covered Bridge - Rutland County, Vermont

This bridge built in 1840 is a single span 132' long Town Lattice Truss with a horizontal clearance of 17'-10". The abutments are built of marble slabs laid dry in rectangular courses. Two laminated stringers have been tie-bolted to the underside of the floor beams parallel to the trusses to reinforce the structure. The bridge is currently closed to traffic. Proposed work is to rehabilitate the structure to carry H20 loading. All deteriorated and undersized members are planned to be replaced. All new wood used will be treated with CCA preservative. The State has a historic bridge inventory/ management plan, and the work plan has been reviewed by SHPO.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $500,000
Other Sources: $100,000
Total $600,000
Award amount: $450,000

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Greenbanks Hollow Covered Bridge - Caledonia County, Vermont

This bridge built in 1886 was reconstructed in 1976. It is a 78' long Queenpost Truss with a 13'-3" horizontal clearance. Originally a single span bridge, in the early 1970s two concrete piers were built at approximately 2/3 of the span making it into a 3 span bridge. A central laminated stringer made of shorter timbers tie-bolted together was added to the underside of the floorbeams for reinforcement. Additionally steel I-beams were placed immediately inside the trusses for further reinforcement. The bridge is open for vehicular traffic but posted at 3 tons. Work proposed includes complete rehabilitation including new roof, rebuilding and realigning of trusses, removal of piers and steel I-beams, replacement of substructure, new floor beams and new deck, new railing, curbing, siding and rebuilding and repair of abutments. All new wood will be treated with CCA wood preservative. The State has a historic bridge inventory/management plan.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $360,000
Other Sources:   $90,000
Total $450,000
Award amount: $300,000

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Meens Bottom Covered Bridge - Shenandoah County, Virginia

This bridge built circa 1893 is a single span 204 ft long and 16 ft wide Burr Arch Truss. It is the longest single span covered bridge in Virginia. Aside from minor maintenance repair, three major repairs have been carried out on this bridge. In 1937, reinforced steel beam floor system was installed. In 1979 restoration work was undertaken to repair damage caused by arson in 1976 where fire destroyed much of the bridge's superstructure and weakened surviving arch and trusses. The third major project was carried out in 1984, where the bridge's load carrying system was transferred from the arch truss to steel girders and piers. The proposed work consists of designing a fire detection and suppression system for the bridge. The State has completed a statewide inventory of all historic bridges. The bridge is open to vehicular traffic and has a 13 ton load capacity.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $40,000
Other Sources: $10,000
Total $50,000
Award amount: $40,000

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Fletcher Covered Bridge - Harrison County, West Virginia

This bridge built circa 1891 is a 57'-8" single span Kingpost Truss 13'-1" wide on stone abutments. It is one of seventeen remaining covered bridges in the State, and one of nine still carrying vehicular traffic. It is posted at 3 tons. Previous work includes applying linseed oil to inside of bridge, replacement of lower chord, replacement of several floorbeams and roof. Proposed work includes installation of new sill beams and cast iron spacers, replacement of selected verticals, chord sections, and diagonals of trusses, replacement of deck beams and joists, replacement of roof with tern coated stainless steel, and replacement of siding boards and battens. All work will preserve existing timber were possible and replace in kind where conditions require. The state has a historic bridge inventory/management plan. The work plan has been reviewed by SHPO. The State will provide any matching funds required to complete the project.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $572,000
Other Sources: $143,000
Total $715,000
Award amount: $500,000

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Hokes Mill Covered Bridge - Greenbrier County, West Virginia

This bridge built circa 1899 is a single span 81' long and 13'-1" wide Long Truss. It sits on stone abutments, is one of seventeen remaining covered bridges in West Virginia, and has been closed to vehicular traffic since 1992. Previous work includes replacement of floor system with timber deck on steel beams. The proposed work includes disassembling the bridge and removing the existing floor system. The main trusses will be repaired, preservative applied and reassembled. New floorbeams, stringers, and flooring will be installed to its original all timber system. New roofing will be installed, and siding will be painted. All work will preserve existing timber where possible, and replace in kind where conditions require. The state has a historic bridge inventory/management plan. The work plan has been reviewed by SHPO. The State will provide any matching funds required to complete the project.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $559,600
Other Sources: $139,900
Total $699,500
Award amount: $450,000

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Simpson Creek Covered Bridge - Harrison County, West Virginia

This bridge built circa 1881 is a single span (74') yellow poplar modified Kingpost Truss, 14'-10" wide. The bridge sits on stone abutments, is one of seventeen remaining covered bridge in the State, and has been closed to vehicular traffic since 1992. The is posted for a 3 ton load limit, and upon completion of preservation work will be able to handle legal load. Proposed work includes replacement of deteriorated sections, resetting of abutments and wingwall stones, preservative treatment and painting. All work will preserve existing timber where possible and replace in kind where conditions require. The state has a historic bridge inventory/management plan. The work plan has been reviewed by SHPO. The State will provide any matching funds required to complete the project.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $356,400
Other Sources: $89,100
Total $445,500
Award amount: $300,000

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Locust Creek Covered Bridge - Pocahontas County, West Virginia

This bridge built circa 1888 is a 112'-9" single span Double Intersection Warren truss 13'-8" wide. The structure sits on stone abutments. The bridge is one of seventeen remaining covered bridges in West Virginia. It is closed to vehicular traffic and will remain a pedestrian bridge after preservation work is complete as it has been bypassed by a new bridge that handles all vehicular traffic. Proposed work includes disassembling the bridge, replacement of deteriorated sections and reassembly. The stone substructure and the roof system will be repaired. Siding will be treated rather than painted to be like the original structure. All work will preserve existing timber where possible, and replace in kind where conditions require. The state has a historic bridge inventory/management plan. The work plan has been reviewed by SHPO. The State will provide any matching funds required to complete the project.

Funding: FHWA funds requested: $260,960
Other Sources:   $65,240
Total $326,200
Award amount: $260,960

[ Return to Allocation Plan ]

Updated: 06/27/2017
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