The trestle bridge at the Kentucky Mine Museum, declared unsafe for pedestrians in 2022
SIERRA CITY — On Tuesday, the Sierra County Board of Supervisors approved the redirecting of $84,000, pulled primarily from general fund allocations expected not to be depleted during the year, toward restoring the Kentucky Mine Museum’s trestle bridge. With over $58,000 in donations as of Tuesday morning and $96,000 in Federal Scenic Highway Discretionary Grant Program funding, the County will move forward with a bid of $240,000 from ICOR, Inc.
Though the Board has fully approved funding for the restoration, the Sierra County Historical Society (SCHS) is still soliciting donations to lessen the impact on the County’s general fund (donations can be sent to PO Box 260, Sierra City, CA 96125). SCHS President Jan Hamilton expects to collect at least through the end of the year as taxpayers take advantage of tax-deductible donations to the non-profit organization. Additionally, Sierra County Public Works will continue to pursue funding through US Forest Service Grant opportunities, including the Great American Outdoors Act.
The trestle restoration received unanimous support from the Board. Supervisor Sharon Dryden, in particular, praised the widespread community support and buy-in, noting the rarity of such collaboration between communities and the County. Though Supervisor Lee Adams’ characteristic fiscal conservatism led him to question whether the reallocation had to be done before donations and potential grants were finalized, he supported the resolution wholeheartedly upon learning that it was a requirement of accepting the bid.
As summarized by Public Works Director Bryan Davey, county fund allocation will move ahead with the intention of continuing to seek additional donations and alternative forest service funding. On the trestle’s reopening, Supervisor Adams commented, “Maybe you’ll find some gold in there as well!”