New ownership is causing the Katy Bridge Project to move full steam ahead.
The first phase of the project is completely funded now after waiting almost a decade. Kate Fjell believes that the future of the bridge would have been different if it was not for the new ownership.
“Union Pacific had plans to take down the bridge and move it to Osage River where they needed a new crossing, so then we would not have had a bridge at all," Fjell said. "I think people are really hesitant to give money when they don’t know if the bridge was going to be in Boonville.” Fjel
After years of court cases, the city of Boonville earned ownership of the Bridge and plans to begin the first phase of the Katy Bridge Project in November. This includes replacing the missing 62-foot span, swapping the old rail with concrete, improving handrails and implementing overhead lighting.
Sarah Gallagher, who is president of Katy Bridge Coalition, wants people to envision what the rest of the bridge will look like after the first phase is completed.
“We will be able to get people out on the river and once people see what it is going to look like after the phase one is completed we will hopefully be able to go after more money.” Gallagher said.
The rest of the project is expect to cost between 3-4 million dollars. Gallagher is optimistic about the rest of the funding, but is worried about the fluctuation of costs.
“The rest of the phases will have to have a plan and then it will be put out for a bid," Gallagher said. "Then we will have a better guess on what it will cost because the cost of these types of things change constantly due to the economy.”
The Katy Bridge is one of Boonville’s historic structures that has a history that dates back to the 1930’s. Gallagher believes tourism is going to rise once the bridge becomes a part of the trail.
“Tourism is really going to be an important part of our future economic growth," Gallagher said. "Boonville feels like a getaway place for these tourists from the city. The bridge is going to help flourish the economy, but I also think it is important to save things that have historical value.”
The river outlook will be available for tourists’ next March, whenever the first phase of the project is expected to be completed.
