We Need To Save An Historic Bridge
Author: Nancy Marks
We Need to Save An Historic Bridge
I wrote with great sadness last week about the final stage planned by Montana Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) proposal to tear down the historic highway bridge at Toston. As a reporter I was able to eke out the efforts, the determination and the love Toston folks put out to try to save the bridge.
Maybe the stars had not yet aligned. And maybe now they have. Toston folks might pull together to form a strong group.
Every successful effort needs leading. Their leaders, who formerly worked full- time, are now retired and may have the time to spend doing the work to build a strong group. Former commissioners have the connections and experience to ask pertinent questions about ARPA monies still available for infrastructure projects. Townsend Area Chamber of Commerce and Montana Department of Commerce continue to invite tourists to our area. They might have a stake in saving the bridge to encourage bringing more tourist dollars to our area.
Now to the question about the big money for the pier repair - $17milllion is the quote. Let’s consider cutting that number in half: Fix one pier at a time. Now we’re down to $8.5million. How much will MDOT spend to tear down and remove the salvage? Could that money be used to repair the piers and the iron trusses?
It is truly amazing when a group of people let their wants be known in a positive way, how many people, organizations, businesses step up to help. Volunteerism is powerful in all its forms.
Saving this vital part of Broadwater history has larger impacts. Truth be told, it might be a huge opportunity to bring together our divided county both politically and spiritually. Everybody loves a project they can work on, see the results, thus making them feel great about themselves and each other.
I invite Toston to step forward. Let’s see what you’ve got. Call a public meeting and let’s get going.
Nancy Marks, Townsend
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Image 1 Caption: Toston Bridge
Photo Provided by Nancy Marks
