Tagged: Burlington City Council

Burlington could soon have a better idea of what to do with Cascade Bridge.  The bridge, which is about 115 years old, has been closed to vehicular traffic for about 4 years.

The city was ready to spend several million dollars to tear it down and build a new one.  It even had received a $1-million grant to help cover the cost.

The state stepped in, though, to make sure Burlington considered restoring the structure.

The city council has agreed to have Shuck-Britson, Inc. out of Des Moines study the bridge.

Burlington continues to wait for information in regards to the future of Cascade Bridge, which has been closed to vehicular traffic for several years.

The city was ready to start building a new roughly $4-million bridge months ago.  The project was delayed, though, to allow for a new study to be done to determine if the roughly 120-year-old bridge could be repaired or if replacement is required.

The recommendation for the new study came from the State Historic Preservation Office and was supported by several local preservation groups.

Burlington residents still have plenty of opportunities to weigh in on a new “blue-print” for the city.

Development and Parks Director Eric Tysland says it has been at least 15 years since Burlington updated its comprehensive plan.  He says this type of document is crucial to future planning and development.

“It looks at all aspects of the city,” says Tysland, “from land-use to streets to infrastructure and public services (police & fire).  Basically every aspect of the city is addressed in the plan in one way or another.”

Burlington’s new city manager says he will spend his first few weeks on the job getting to know as many people as possible.

Jim Ferneau comes to town via Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, where he served as city administrator.  He has been involved in city government for about 15 years.

Ferneau says he and his wife grew up in the Marshalltown area.  They have nine children and are in the process of moving to Burlington.

Burlington is exploring the world of hydroelectric power.

The city, its renewable energy committee and Klingner and Associates have been working on a proposal to build a hydroelectric power plant on Lock & Dam 18.  The plan calls for about two-dozen low-head turbines to be constructed.