Howdy!
As I am sure all of you know by now, the county commissioners are considering the removal/replacement of the old Riverside Bridge. I know this is not 'officially' the City of Ozark's business, but I think it's important.
I have not lived here my whole life, and I am not usually a sentimental person when it comes to things like buildings and bridges, BUT something really struck a nerve with me when I heard we might be losing this beautiful bridge. I our city and our community would suffer a great loss if this landmark were to be torn down.
This being said, I know my opinion comes with some limitations.
1. While the bridge is most impressive from my kayak in the Finley, I do not have to drive over this bridge every day. The beauty of the bridge is not worth any injury or loss of life should something happen.
2. The city has no official say or money to use to influence the fate of this bridge. Although, I hope to see the county and the city and any other interested parties working together to find a solution.
So, all I really have is an opinion, and it alone is not going to restore or replace any bridges.
I also do not have a solution. I know there are many organizations, including the Christian County Historical Society looking into it and many suggestions have been made. I don't think we have enough information at this point.
Unfortunately, as with most things in government, this will probably come down to.....well....money. The only solution that has an estimated cost and funding mechanism is the one where the county tears down the bridge and builds a new one. We need to find out how much it will cost to do the other many solutions (moving it, restoration, pedestrian bridge, etc) and then find a way to pay for them other than through the county or city coffers.
Saving the Riverside Bridge will be a difficult but noble en devour. Again, I don't have the solution and frankly I don't know a thing about saving bridges or historical things. I just know that there are possible solutions, and I want to see the county explore them all ad nauseam. Tearing down the bridge should be the last resort.
The Headliner and Kris Dyer with the Christian County Historical Society are leading the way in exposing this issue and in brainstorming for solutions and funding. Checkout the Headliner's articles:
http://www.ccheadliner.com/articles/2010/01/20/news/doc4b55ed04efa88026777240.txt
http://www.ccheadliner.com/articles/2010/01/20/opinion/doc4b55e43de8578935849487.txt
Also, if you have any ideas and would like to become active in this effort please contact Kris Dyer. You can catch her on her facebook group "Save Riverside Bridge".
