After an off-site study meeting Wednesday, Lyon County commissioners are back in the County Courthouse for their action session Thursday.
Commissioners will discuss applying for funding through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program to replace the famous Bird Bridge, also known as the Rocky Ford Bridge. The Lyon County Highway Department began discussing its plans to seek grant funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation to build a new bridge near the historic bridge — mainly because of the current bridge’s age and condition. The estimated cost has gone up from $3 million in August to $3.4 million now, with Lyon County’s share set at $750,000.
The bridge was built in 1907 and was made infamous by the murder of Sandra Bird in July of 1983 by her husband, Thomas Bird. The bridge was added to the Kansas Register of Historic Places back in late 2020.
In other business, Human Resources Director Janice Huffman and Controller Dan Williams will discuss increased fees for drug testing and related services. The Sheriff’s Office will also discuss the purchase of a pickup at an estimated cost of nearly $51,000.
The meeting starts at 9 am at the County Courthouse.
