The Saline County Commission touted progress in tackling bridge projects during their session Wednesday, Apr. 22.

Commissioners hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at the completed Paw Paw Trail bridge over the Bear Creek, after the span in the Gilliam Special Road District passed inspection. Northern District Commissioner Stephanie Gooden says the completed bridge is already benefiting the area’s residents.
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The county is fielding bids until the morning of May 7 for construction of a replacement bridge on 245th Road outside Mount Leonard. However, Gooden notes that reductions in BRO funding could result in the county only being able to obtain funds for engineering work on a second bridge needing replaced along the road.

The new Paw Paw Trail bridge cost $1,066,368.85, with the county providing 20 percent of the cost. Mera Excavating of Loose Creek completed construction of the new bridge, while Great River Engineering served as the project’s engineer.

Also Wednesday, the commission approved the hire of a new deputy for the communications department of the Sheriff’s Office, and sold a small section of land behind the courthouse annex for $500 to Community Bank, to allow the bank to install a backup generator. The commission also approved a lawn use request for the Marshall Municipal Band’s series of concerts beginning May 28 on the circle drive.