The Battle for the Kelso Bridge
Facing a threat from federal engineers to revoke the bridge's license, the Kelso Chamber of Commerce moves to seize control of the span from a gridlocked local government.
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.
Recently, the Kelso Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to take over the operation of the Kelso Bridge without tolls, the operating cost to be paid by subscription. They aim to start mandamus proceedings at once to determine through the courts who is responsible for the bridge's operation and maintenance. The State of Washington, Cowlitz County, and Kelso, who jointly built the bridge, all refuse to assume the responsibility of operation. The chamber's action follows word from Major R. Park, U.S. Engineer, that he will have the bridge location license revoked unless a responsible party assumes control.
“The State of Washington, Cowlitz County and Kelso, who jointly built the bridge, all refuse to assume the responsibility of operation.”
Infrastructure funding and maintenance disputes between local and state governments have been a perennial theme in Washington State. This conflict over bridge tolls and jurisdiction mirrors contemporary frustrations regarding how public infrastructure is funded and who bears the ultimate responsibility for its upkeep.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.