The Board of Supervisors initially balked at the $1.4 million
price tag for a new bridge at the Historic Village, but then
unanimously approved the project creating a permanent crossing over
the Tres Pinos Creek.
The Board of Supervisors initially balked at the $1.4 million price tag for a new bridge at the Historic Village, but then unanimously approved the project creating a permanent crossing over the Tres Pinos Creek.
The long-awaited bridge construction, awarded to Granite Construction Company, will allow the county Historical Society’s park to stay open year-round. The Historic Village is located next to Bolado Park.
Previously, the park – a collection of historic buildings and other artifacts – had been open only during summer months. And the California Department of Fish and Game each year has installed a low-water crossing over the creek for visitors.
Construction on the new bridge should start in the next few weeks, and Historical Society President Peter Sonne hopes it is completed by the fall so the park doesn’t have to close again.
Sonne on Tuesday was pleased about the approval.
“Everything’s done, and that was kind of the last little thing,” Sonne said. “It’s looking really good.”
With oversight by Fish and Game along with other outside agencies concerned about the waterway, the project has taken several years to cut through bureaucratic red tape to reach this point. Supervisors also believe conditions placed in the project were more complex than for other bridge projects due to the outside agencies’ additional mandates.
Supervisors made it clear they weren’t happy with the cost, which came in $340,000 more than the previous estimate. Part of the hike was due to rising costs of steel, according to a staff report.
The federal Department of Transportation will cover 80 percent of the cost. Congressman Sam Farr was involved in efforts to secure federal funding after the Historical Society commissioned his help. The county’s 1998 Disaster Relief program will fund the rest, according to officials.
Even Supervisor Reb Monaco, who represents that district, expressed displeasure in the project’s contract. He called the cost exorbitant.
“Basically, Fish and Game holds us at ransom over these crossings,” he said.
But he made the motion to approve the contract because rejecting it would delay the project for at least another year. Supervisor Bob Cruz agreed, saying a delay could also mean a much higher price down the road.
Sonne said it will be a “terrific opportunity” for the community. The park, which is run by volunteers, will especially cater to schools trips and family gatherings, he said.
Kollin Kosmicki can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 331 or at
