BRIDGE RESTORATION PLAN LINKS PAST TO OUR FUTURE

The Burfordville Bridge is more than an architectural jewel to be admired, it is a historic masterpiece worth saving. It is one of only four covered bridges remaining in Missouri. That's why it's such good news to hear that funding for a complete restoration may be included in next year's state budget. Saving the bridge demonstrates farsightedness that goes far beyond political parties. Built around the Civil War, this bridge is part of our state heritage.

Hats off to Gov. Mel Carnahan, who has included $611,200 in his proposed Fiscal 1994 budget for the project. Hopefully, the legislature will concur this session. The capital improvement funds would come from the one-tenth of a cent sales tax for state parks and soil conservation. That means all of us will help pay for the project one tenth of a cent at a time.

We're glad to hear the project is a top priority of parks division. Already, a detailed engineering study of the bridge has been completed. Not only would the restoration preserve the bridge, but it would probably lead to re-opening the bridge for light vehicle traffic. That should increase regional tourism efforts. Even though the bridge is closed even to foot traffic the picturesque scene of the bridge and Bollinger Mill draws thousands of visitors each year. But time and again, visitors express a desire to walk across the historic structure. Administrator Jack Smoot said many people are attracted to the Burfordville historic site because of the bridge.

The bridge has been closed to vehicles since the mid-1980s, when some repairs were made and then a record flood of 1986 shifted the bridge. Last year, as inspectors worked to determine what would be needed to restore the bridge, they determined that foot traffic should also be banned.

The restoration would be no small task. It would probably involve removing the entire bridge from its abutments to replace the trusses that carry the bridge weight. Then repairs would be made to the bridge, and it would be placed back over the Whitewater River. The bridge will probably be raised about three feet, to reduce the chances of future flood damage. Smoot said an effort would be made to retain as many original materials as possible - to ensure the bridge's historic integrity.

The bridge dates back to the 1850s. One stone on a bridge abutment is dated 1858, but it's uncertain whether the war delayed its completion. The Bollinger Mill was burned in 1861 by Union troops and was rebuilt just after the Civil War. The site of the mill and bridge became part of the state parks system in 1967. In May 1970, the bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This historic site should be more than a picturesque view to admire. A restored bridge would attract more tourists and serve as a living history lesson as well. We're glad to see this project given priority ranking. After all, the bridge is a historic asset not only to our region, but to the entire state. This project represents a real investment not only in our past, but in Missouri's future.