Neligh Receives $650,000 Grant To Repair Mill Bridge

The spirit of Christmas can be felt through Neligh, Nebraska, thanks to a six-figure anonymous grant to repair the Old Mill bridge that was destroyed in the 2010 flooding of the Elkhorn River.

The City of Neligh and the Neligh Area Community Foundation announced the grant today.

Last Tuesday, the Neligh Area Community Foundation met and agreed to the grant terms and conditions, and the funds were received Monday. At last Tuesday's meeting, the City Council filed an application with the Neligh Area Community Foundation to use the grant funds for the Old Mill Bridge repairs. It is anticipated that the Community Foundation will meet within the next few days to approve the bridge repairs and then the City Council will then let bids for the project. 

Antelope County originally was responsible for the bridge and agreed to repair the original 280-foot span before transferring ownership to the city, which was to construct a 100-foot jump span over the new river channel.  The City planned to use federal money to cover more than half of the expense - $358,000.

Complications followed that wreaked havoc on FEMA's deadline of July 2014 for repairs to be finished. Because that was impossible, the money was no longer available.

Now with the grant, is anticipated that the work will be completed in the Fall of 2014.

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