Commission signs MOA for Redbridge replacement project, cites historic-preservation requirements

County staff presented a memorandum of agreement for the Redbridge replacement that will coordinate the county, the Forest Service and preservation stakeholders to comply with state historic-preservation requirements. The presenter told commissioners the bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and that the Forest Service is the lead federal agency.

"It is an eligible, structure to be on the NHRP, but, it is not on there," the presenter said, explaining that the project therefore follows similar procedural steps as a listed property. Staff said Missouri State completed pre-construction archaeological work that did not find artifacts but noted procedures must be followed if contractors discover anything during excavation. The presenter estimated that design is largely complete, that the county aims to go out to bid in spring (best case), and that construction would take about six months once underway.

Commissioners asked about timeline and community concerns; staff emphasized that most of the east side work is Forest Service jurisdiction. After questions, the commission approved the MOA and staff will obtain signatures and proceed with interagency coordination.