Effort to restore Red Bridge looks at funding

Finding funding seems to be the next hurdle in a plan to restore the Red Bridge in Columbia Falls.

Representatives from Flathead County and the City of Columbia Falls met Monday at Glacier Discovery Square to discuss funding options that would restore the bridge for pedestrian use.

The First Best Place Task Force is working to secure a partnership between the city, county, state and private entities that would rebuild the bridge. The group's plans include reopening the bridge and creating a boat launch and kayaking area. Also in the plans is the creation of an area for a restaurant and bed and breakfast — one on each side of the bridge.

Both the city and county have passed a memorandum of understanding that states both will participate in the process, including seeking funding. Currently the county owns the bridge.

"These are good conceptual ideas, but how do we get funding without specific plans?" asked County Administrator Mike Pence.

In order to get the specific plans, the first step will be to complete the engineering work on the bridge. Engineering estimates generated for the task force list plans and fee costs at $100,000.

The Red Bridge was built in the early 1900s and has survived major flooding. In 1989 it was closed to motorized traffic and remained a foot bridge. Eventually it was completely closed and approaches were torn down.

To make the bridge useable again, the center pier would have to be replaced and the rest of the bridge would need repairs. That is expected to cost $1.3 million.

Dave Renfrow, with the Task Force, said that at least 13 different funding sources have been identified for the project.

"We believe that there are all sorts of appropriate funding mechanisms," he told the group.

Constructing buildings on each side of the bridge would add private funding to the coffers, but around $600,000 to $700,000 would have to come from public money.

The Task Force is hoping that might come from a number of sources, including Community Transportation Enhancement Project funds, State Routes to School grants, possible establishment of a tax increment finance district and others. Funding could also come from non-profit interests.

Barry Conger, Task Force director, admitted that CSTEP funding can be competitive.

"We want to reduce the reliance on CSTEP funding," he said.

One funding source might come if the Red Bridge is approved as a historic bridge. An application to the National Register of Historic Places has been submitted for the bridge and could open other funding avenues.

The Montana Legislature has set aside $4 million in money from the state's federal stimulus money. Under House Bill 645, the money can be used for historic preservation.

Supporters argue that a private-public partnership on the project and its completion will generate revenue by adding to the tax rolls.

Both City and County officials agreed to look into funding sources for the project and meet again.