By JIMMY LAWTON

North Country Now

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg City Council was denied $1.5 million grant to rehabilitate Lafayette-Spring Street Bridge, which could force a boat launch closure and restrict boat traffic under the bridge.

The bridge was constructed in 1916 connecting the east and west sides of the city with reinforced concrete. In October 2016 a general bridge inspection reported loose concrete that presents a hazard to boating traffic.

Council agreed to seek the grant at a February council meeting.

The project proposed by the city is estimated at $1.5 million. It would include repairs recommended in a 2016 general inspection. The cost estimate includes design, engineering, right-of-way, construction and construction inspections.

According to the February resolution the grant would have paid 95 percent of the project cost leaving the city with a 5 percent or $75,000 contribution. According to the city planner the city’s contribution would be paid for out of the city’s street maintenance account.

However, the city has been notified that it will not receive and funding for the repairs necessary for the bridge.

The State’s decision will force the City to fund the repairs or wait until the bridge deteriorates to a point where it will require closure, according to City Manager Sarah Purdy.

“With the current flags on the bridge, the city might be forced to close the Lake Street boat launch and prohibit boat traffic from passing under the bridge.”