Commissioners declare local emergency for Matney Bridge to fund summer repairs

Klamath County commissioners declared a local emergency to address a cracked stringer under the Matney Bridge over the Lost River and authorized staff to hire a consultant and pursue emergency repairs expected this summer.

A commissioner moved that the board "sign off on the declaration of local emergency under OS 401.305 and 401.309 related to the stringer cracked under the Matney Bridge over the Lost River." The motion passed.

Presenters said an emergency repair this summer could prevent a full replacement that might otherwise cost about $3 million. The declaration gives staff authority to accelerate consultant selection and contracting to move repairs forward sooner than a standard procurement schedule would allow.

What happens next: Public works will begin consultant procurement for an emergency repair scope and return with contracting recommendations and a timeline for the work.