State Gets $630,000 To Replace Clark Fork Bridge

The state has received $630,000 for the first phase of replacing the Clark Fork bridge over the Clark Fork River.

The main bridge across the river was closed in 1994 after it was deemed unsafe for drivers. The span now in use is a one-lane railroad bridge that’s a century old.

Bonner County Commissioner Dale Van Stone has been lobbying the state to help come up with $6 million to replace the bridges, so people can safely reach the U.S.

Forest Service property on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille.

On Tuesday, commissioners were informed that the state received $630,000 in federal Public Lands Highway Discretionary Funds for the project, which will cover the cost of the engineering and design work.

The county is willing to put $100,000 toward the project, said Commissioner Larry Allen.

“Once funding to this degree is approved, it won’t stop there,” Allen said Tuesday.