Federal funds awarded for Covered Bridge repairs

July 26, 2007

Wahkiakum County officials received word this week that efforts to replace the damaged roof on the historic Grays River Covered Bridge have been rewarded with a Federal Highway Administration Grant. The bridge, which celebrated its 100th year in 2005, is the last covered bridge in Washington that is still in use.

A request to repair the bridge was included in a nationwide grant program for covered bridges through the Federal Highway Administration’s National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program. The County was awarded $112,000 to replace the roof and some perlins that support the structure.

U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Brian Baird were instrumental in making sure funding was allocated by formally supporting the request and monitoring the application for county officials. Wahkiakum County Public Works Director Peter Ringen stated, “The work will start quickly once all the grant documents are signed and we have the OK on our plan of action from the State Historic Preservation Office.”

Commissioner Tom Doumit stated, “There is a lot of good work occurring to help preserve our historic bridge. In addition to the federal funding to repair the bridge, our state legislators, Rep. Brian Blake, Rep. Dean Takko, and Senator Brian Hatfield were able to secure funds this legislative session to purchase property near the bridge to create a park for the public to enjoy..”

The annual Grays River Covered Bridge Festival is planned for August 4.

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