State authorizes additional $450,000 for Oxbow Bridge response; total authorized reaches $650,000

La Paz County staff updated the Board of Supervisors on response and recovery efforts for the Oxbow Bridge incident, reporting that the State emergency committee approved an additional $450,000 in state support on Aug. 18—bringing the total state-authorized amount to $650,000 for response and recovery work.

County administrator Stephanie McDowell said County Emergency Manager Jason Scott and state emergency director Gabe Levine met with the state committee to request funding, and she said the additional authorization “puts us in a strong position moving forward with our response and recovery efforts.” Supervisor Erwin and other board members thanked the emergency-response teams and noted debris-collection and boat operations continued over the prior weekend.

Why it matters: county staff said the additional funds will help ongoing debris removal and recovery activities related to bridge damage; the county is coordinating with state partners and continuing onsite operations. No formal board action was required; staff will continue to brief the board on funding use and operational progress.

Ending: supervisors expressed appreciation for state and county emergency teams and said they would keep the public updated on recovery milestones and any further funding requests.