BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

MARTIN COUNTY — Four dilapidated bridges in Martin County have been approved for a much-needed lifeline in the form of emergency funding from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. With a combined total of $180,000 allocated for their restoration, these bridges will soon undergo vital repairs to ensure the safety of the county’s residents and commuters.

Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty expressed deep concern over the state of the bridges, labeling them as “probably the worst in the county.” The bridges identified for repair are the Blue Bridge, Ponderosa Road, Boyd Moore Road and Shadle Fletcher.

Lafferty acknowledged the pressing need for improvements on other bridges across various districts and assured that his office would immediately pursue additional funding for those projects.

Among the prioritized bridges, Judge Lafferty emphasized the urgency of addressing the Blue Bridge in District 2.

“That bridge has fallen down and is dangerous to cross,” said Lafferty of the imminent threat it poses. “We want to start work on it immediately.”

The financial responsibility is divided through an 80/20 split under the emergency funding program. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is accountable for 80% of the project costs up to the approved amount, while the remaining 20% and any expenses exceeding the approved amount fall under the county’s responsibility.

Judge Lafferty expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the fiscal court that led to the approval of the emergency funding.

“We’ve worked really hard on this since the magistrates told us about these bridges,” he said.

The judge also expressed gratitude for the state’s approval of the funding.

In addition to the bridge repairs, Judge Lafferty announced Martin County received a welcome boost in transportation discretionary funding. A grant of $64,000 will pay for resurfacing two county roads, Groundhog Hollow and Calf Creek.

“Those two roads are in bad shape,” said Lafferty. “We’re going to be able to do quite a bit of paving there.”

The judge apologetically acknowledged that mowing along county roads got off to a late start this year due to a lack of bids on the job. He assures that the county will initiate the advertising process for bids earlier next year.