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Bill Includes $950,000 to Replace Clements Mill Bridge

Washington, DC – Yesterday, the U.S. House advanced Congressman Tom Perriello’s funding requests for Franklin County in the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act that will provide investment in infrastructure, health services, and public safety. The bill includes $950,000 for the replacement of the Clements Mill Bridge in the Wirtz area, a top priority of the county. 

“Improving our infrastructure is one of the best ways to attract new business to the area, and it enhances quality of life for residents of Franklin County. I’m pleased these funds will allow the long-awaited Clements Mill Bridge replacement to move ahead,” said Perriello. “The bill also includes investments in public safety and expansion of care at the Ferrum Community Health Center, which is critical in providing primary health care to our rural communities.”

“The citizens of the Clements Mill Bridge area and the travelling public who rely on this important transportation link have waited a long time for this great news.  Congressman Perriello is to be thanked along with many others who have made it possible to make this wonderful announcement that the bridge can now be replaced and that construction money will be spent in our community for this very meaningful project,” said David Hurt, Boone District representative on the Board of Supervisors.

The following projects are set to receive funding once the Senate approves the conference report and the President signs the bill:

• $950,000 for replacement of the Clements Mill Bridge (Franklin County):  This project will replace the Clements Mill Bridge on Route 687 between Red Valley and the communities of Burnt Chimney and Wirtz. The funding will go toward construction of a new single-lane bridge, reopening a vital line of transportation in Franklin County for emergency responders and business transport. Additionally, the bridge is located on the county’s upcoming bicycle plan.
• $400,000 for Ferrum Community Health Center (Ferrum, VA): The funds would enable the Ferrum Community Health Center to increase its capacity, offering primary and interventional health care to more rural area residents. Most of the patients served by the clinic have low incomes and chronic diseases, problems that have only been exacerbated in a weak economy.
• $200,000 for Microwave Ring for Public Safety/E911 Voice and Data Interoperability (Franklin County): This project will streamline and provide for interoperability for public safety communications (fire, policy, emergency) among Franklin County, Patrick County, Henry County, and the City of Martinsville. These public safety improvements are necessary to make the community an attractive location for professionals and families to locate. 

Background on Clements Mill Bridge

Clements Mill Bridge, a single-lane, steel-truss structure located in one of only two rural historic districts in Franklin County, was closed in the summer of 2005 due to safety concerns related to the bridge’s lack of structural integrity.  This weakness is irreparable and requires that the bridge be replaced before the closed section of Alean Road can be reopened to traffic.  Over the past four years, area residents have been forced to use lengthy detours due to this closure.  Additionally, emergency vehicles have experienced significantly higher response times when responding to calls in the area and businesses have incurred greater costs.  The bridge closing has also affected a designated bicycle route, school bus routes, accessibility to historic Clements Mill and local travel among neighbors and families.

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