Posey County Commissioners have voted to take legal ownership of the New Harmony Bridge, but only if certain conditions are met.
Commissioners Jim Alsop and Jerry Walden – who voted for the takeover – say terms attached to the commitment will protect Posey County from financial risk.
The conditions written by attorney Jacob Weis say no county tax dollars will be spent on the bridge, and the county has no liability related to demolition or salvage costs.
The Evansville Courier and Press reports the conditions also include no time frame for action.
New Harmony residents pushing for an ownership transfer say the requirements set by the commissioners likely will keep the bridge’s future in doubt for the foreseeable future.
The bridge over the Wabash River remains owned by the White County Bridge Commission, which has only two members — Mike Egbert and David Rice, the former University of Southern Indiana president. A third member recently resigned.
The two-lane New Harmony Bridge was built in 1930 and operated as a toll bridge for decades, before officials shut it down nearly three years ago because of its deteriorating condition.