An event over four years in the making took place on Tuesday as many agencies were present for the dedication of the newly repaired Browns Park Swinging Bridge. There was a period of time after the swinging bridge was closed in 2014 that it was unsure if it would be repaired due to the question of who would fund it. The bridge itself was owned by Fish and Wildlife Service and managed by Moffat County, neither of which were able to commit the nearly $2 million dollars it would cost for repairs. The 7 County Infrastructure Coalition in Utah, however, is who stepped in and helped continue the ball rolling because of the bridge’s importance for emergency response as it shaves 30 minutes off the trip from Daggett County to Vernal. It was appropriate then that officials from agencies in both Utah and Colorado were in attendance at the dedication ceremony on Tuesday. While not a funding agency, Uintah County was there in support of the bridge opening. Commissioner Duane Shepherd emphasized that reopening the bridge provides an important connection to Browns Park from the south and grazing ranges on both sides of the river, also noting that the fish and game community likely care the very most.
Phoro Credit: Moffat County Colorado
