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Wanakena Historical Association to break ground for new footbridge; up to $55,000 still needed to complete project

Posted 6/17/16

WANAKENA -- The Wanakena Historical Association will soon break ground for a new footbridge, but the replacement cost is higher than anticipated and the group seeks donations. Although the WHA met …

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Wanakena Historical Association to break ground for new footbridge; up to $55,000 still needed to complete project

Posted

WANAKENA -- The Wanakena Historical Association will soon break ground for a new footbridge, but the replacement cost is higher than anticipated and the group seeks donations.

Although the WHA met its goal of matching the $125,000 as required by the grant from the state Department of Parks and Historical Places, the cost now exceeds the funds raised.

“We could not have gotten to this point without the incredible support of the residents & seasonal families of Wanakena/Clifton-Fine, the Ranger School alumni, and the many many ‘friends’ of Wanakena,” said Allen Ditch, a WHA trustee who started the fundraiser.

The WHA still needs to raise $25,000 for the construction of the bridge and another $20,000 to $35,000 for walkways on both sides of the bridge.

The new bridge will be 2.5 feet higher than the historic bridge that was destroyed by ice several years ago.

“All donations large and small are appreciated, as the WHA has promised the Town of Fine that no town taxpayer money will be spent to rebuild our bridge,” Ditch said.

Sue and Chris Westbrook recently gave $250 and hope that 99 more people might be able to do the same.

If 100 donors are able to donate $250, the WHA will have the $25,000 to rebuild the bridge. Any money received above the $25,000 will go towards construction of the north and south shore walkways or to a maintenance fund reserved for the Wanakena bridge, according to Ditch.

The groundbreaking will be June 21 at 9:30 a.m. on the north shore access to the bridge.

People can mail donations to Wanakena Historical Association, P.O. Box 73, Wanakena, NY 13695.

The group is also on Facebook.