Don’t waste money on non-essential bridge

Two hundred thousand dollars to remove, or $2.04 million to replace, a non-essential bridge (Sutliff Bridge)? Why are people debating this at all, during this tough economic time and when people and organizations are still recovering from the flood? Surely the county can come up with more essential items affected by the flood on which to spend $2.04 million.

Sutliff Bridge was historic. But it was a non-essential bridge in the middle of nowhere, that went nowhere, connected with nothing and was a glorified patio for the local store and tavern.

Taxpayers ultimately pay for the removal or replacement. However, the primary long-term beneficiary of this project if the bridge is replaced is the Baxa Store and Tavern.

Resources will be wasted to fix this bridge simply to prevent losing FEMA funding and assist one business.

A better plan is for The Sutliff Bridge Authority to build a large patio on the bank of the river. That will entail less cost and have the same effect - a patio in the middle of nowhere, that goes nowhere, and connects with nothing.

Accept that there is no bringing the bridge back and spend resources on essential issues.

Stephanie LeClere

Tiffin