How to save Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge

How to save Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge

Friday, March 16, 2007 9:43 AM EDT

And now, the rest of the story. The Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge predates the Civil War, being built in 1860, its 119-foot length spans the North East Creek at Bay View.

Its design is known as a Theodore Burr Arch. The 43-ton weight rests on the ends of the arches that are couched in the concrete abutments at each end.

Since 1986, this bridge belongs to Cecil County, you and me.

Previous bridge analyses have revealed major deterioration on the ends of the arches and immediate repairs should be made, however, nothing has been done to restrain further damage.

Our Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge (GFCB) committee has been requesting that the county repair this bridge since 1986.

In an effort to pursue the restoration project, the county contracted with Wallace & Montgomery & Associates to perform another bridge analysis.

The GFCB committee was appalled that the county would spend money on another analysis, when two had already been performed.

Upon receiving a public outcry against this action, the DPW recalled the contract.

At a recent meeting, the director of DPW explained the necessity of the contract. Since the previous analyses were completed, further damage has occurred, and a prospective bidder must know the extent of the damage that exists now in order to submit a relevant bid.

I now realize that this contracted work is necessary for the project to go forward, and that restoration of the bridge will not come to fruition unless the full extent of damage is determined.

The DPW director advised us that this contract entails many more responsibilities than a structural analysis.

Due to pressing responsibilities of current road repairs and bridge replacements throughout the county, DPW does not have the manpower or the time to devote to Gilpin Falls Bridge, therefore, the job must be outsourced if it is to be done.

In addition to the structural analysis, W&M will perform many of the functions related to obtaining a qualified contractor.

This includes Design Phase Services; a field inspection reviewing plans; specifications and cost estimates and updating as necessary for advertising.

Also, it includes value engineering, preparation of Federal Aid Program documentation, et al; Bid Phase Services including review and analysis of bids; recommendation of award; preparation of concurrence in award package for federal aid, et al; Construction Phase Services including attending pre-construction meeting; respond to requests for information from contractor; attend progress meetings; review shop drawings for e.g., temporary support structure; and prepare “as built” drawings, et al. They will see this project through to completion.

I believe that the real issue of the opponents to this project is money. Most of us really do want to preserve our past, whether its old coins, documents or historic structures.

The disposition of our tax money has always been an issue with all Cecil County taxpayers, and that is how it should be. I thank the Lord for our clear thinking citizens who “keep an eye on” the county spending habits.

In response to the tax spending issue, I have devised a plan whereby we can funnel other money into the bridge restoration project.

In conjunction with the Historical Society of Cecil County (HSCC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, I have established a secure, restricted bank account in which to deposit donations for the bridge restoration.

The agreement, between the HSCC president and myself, has been approved by the county attorney. I have created solid accounting routines for this fund.

At this time, the fund shows donations of $10,122, which includes one donation of $10,000.

I appeal to all Cecil Countians to join me as we “Bridge the Gap” between the past and the future.

Here is how you can participate: Prepare a check for your tax deductible donation, payable to the Historic Society of Cecil County, Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge Account.

(Be sure to include both names on the check to insure the money will be deposited into the appropriate account.)

Send the donation to HSCC, 135 E. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921, or send it to me, W. Earl Simmers, 99 Simmers Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911.

I will send a personal letter of appreciation and a receipt to support your tax deduction. Please help us to save the Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge.

Thank you and God bless you.

From: W. Earl Simmers, Rising Sun