By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg City Council agreed to purchase the county-owned “Black Bridge” for $1 Monday in a split vote.

The former Owasco River Railroad Bridge, known locally as the Black Bridge, crosses the Oswegatchie River and is key in the city’s plan to extend the Maple City Trail.

Deputy Mayor Michael Morley and councilor Timothy Davis voted against the purchase.

Morley raised concerns over liability. He said the bridge is crossed daily by residents and was concerned that if an accident occurred the city would become liable for a potential lawsuit.

Morley also questioned the price tag on the project, he was fearful of the bridges condition that could exceed. He noted that the bridge had been assessed in 2008 and it was determined that some of the piers were in poor condition at that time. He said harsh winters since that time may have expanded that damage significantly.

But City Planner Andrea Smith said taking ownership of the property would improve the city’s ability to execute any grants it might receive for the project.

The city has applied for a $2.2 million grant through the Transportation Alternative Programs and has already received $250,000 from Empire State Development for the project.

The plan is to rehabilitate abandoned railroad bridge and convert it into a walking bridge. The city also intends to and addition of 2,400 feet of trail. The project cost is estimated at $2,056,000.

A public meeting led by Clarkson University students will be held to design a plan for the bridge.

Seniors enrolled in Erik Backus’ Civil and Environmental Engineering class at Clarkson University are helping develop a design concept for the city’s proposed extension of the Maple City Trail.

The students will conduct a public meeting seeking feedback from Ogdensburg area residents, and trail users on March 1.

The meeting will be held at the Ogdensburg Dobisky Center, 100 Riverside Avenue at 7 p.m.

Council agreed to take purchase the property in a 5-2 vote.