NEW HARMONY, IN (WFIE) -
A meeting Saturday between government officials and the public to discuss the future of the New Harmony Bridge.
Officials say the best use of taxpayer dollars would be building a new bridge instead of fixing the old one.
Indiana State Representatives say it would cost between $20-25 million in construction costs for a new bridge.
Government Officials from Indiana and Illinois say that new structure would benefit both states.. In more ways than one.
"I know it has hurt our business a little bit. I know it's hurt a lot of the New Harmony businesses," said Rose Wilkinson, who works in downtown New Harmony.
Employees of downtown New Harmony businesses know what an impact the bridge closure has made, and State Reps say the structure is also a "vital link" between states in medical emergencies.
"White County no longer has a hospital, so getting people over that are Air Evaced, it's important for them to cut across," said Illinois State Representative David Reis.
That's why INDOT is proposing to provide half the cost of a new bridge, up to $10 million, but officials say the rest is up to local entities, since the state of Indiana does not wish to own the bridge.
"It would have to be owned by, let's say Posey County or White County or a joint venture there," said Indiana State Representative Wendy McNamara.
Over a hundred community members gathered to discuss bridge plans Saturday, many excited about a new bridge, a few concerned about money coming out of local pockets.
Officials say the New Harmony Bridge was supposed to be transferred to Indiana ownership in the 1930's, but it remained under private control, making it ineligible for federal funds.
McNamara says a brand new bridge next to the old one would be more cost-effective than repair after repair on the old structure.
"I just would love to see this bridge get built and finally stop pushing this issue off to the next generation," she said.
INDOT says they'll forward their official proposal for funding to local communities early next week.
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