The bridge cleared another hurdle at the Tuesday (last night) Fruita City
Council meeting. A formal resolution was passed detailing the City's
commitment to the restoration of the bridge which among other things appointed
me as the lead person in the restoration process.
After the resolution is signed I will be obtaining a copy and will forward it
to each of the Friends of the Fruita Bridge.
I did bring up the need for a review of the current structural integrity of
the bridge with particular attention to the apparent crimping or damage to the
middle span. Eric Mende, city engineer for Fruita, agreed a current
examination should be made but commented the damage has been there for some
time.
Eric was directed to arrange for an engineer inspection and agreed to contact
you to discuss the options. He was most complimentary of your past efforts on
behalf of the bridge and also felt you would provide a professional opinion
that could be trusted.
Other good news is that we are gradually getting the information out about the
bridge. I was interviewed this morning by a local talk show host, Larry
Roberts on KNZZ, who was quite interested in the effort and invited us back
any time there is additional news about the effort. It is 8:25 AM and I have
received 4 telephone calls, about the interview, including Mesa County
Commissioner Craig Meis who commented the interview helped him understand the
effort was not just to save a bridge but also to provide a pedestrian and
bicycle access across the river.
It is obvious we have a lot of education to do.
The permit for emergency placement of rip rap around the North pier has been
submitted to the Corp of Engineers.
We can now proceed with efforts to obtain grants and other fund raising
activities.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of the Friends of the Fruita Bridge.
Ken Henry
970-256-7900
970-256-1766 (fax)
970-260-4080 (cell)
