A Bridge to Nowhere?
Local skepticism regarding a proposed bridge to Ocosta suggests the project is little more than a political favor.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The Ocosta Pioneer speaks of a proposed bridge across South Bay to connect Ocosta with Westport. The citizens of Ocosta have subscribed a cash subsidy of over $5,000 and land of over $9,000, hoping for county money to finish the job. This would be of doubtful expediency. Nothing is said of the annual expense of repairs and maintenance. Is this appropriation the price demanded by Ocosta for its allegiance to the 'powers that be' of Montesano and the eastern end of the county? The proposed bridge would be of no benefit to the county at large and is no more than a scheme to furnish Ocosta with an 'exceptionally fine drive.'
“Another thrifty individual suggests the feasibility of raising clams on it for free distribution among the taxpayers of the county.”
Infrastructure projects are often lightning rods for political patronage. The local fear that Ocosta was being bought off by Montesano reflects the long-standing regional rivalries in Grays Harbor County.
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