The Delaware County Commissioners voted Dec. 1 to provide a local funding commitment of $11,247,000 to pursue federal assistance for reconstructing Bridge 509 on McGalliard Avenue.

County Engineer Dean Thomas told the board the project would use an estimated 80/20 federal match and that design work would begin in fiscal year 2027 with construction targeted for fiscal year 2032. "We are applying for funding, to have this bridge redone," Thomas said, noting the bridge handles roughly 16,000 vehicles a day and that federal funds would be beneficial for the larger structure.

The commissioners moved and approved a financial commitment letter to support the project; the pledged local match would come from the county's cumulative bridge fund. The board carried the motion in a roll call vote.

Why it matters: Bridge 509 serves as a significant arterial crossing and will require multi‑year planning and local capital outlay if the federal award is secured. Thomas and staff said the schedule and large local match make the county’s commitment important to obtain competitive federal funding.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the commitment letter and proceed with the federal application and preliminary design scheduling; design and construction timelines will be refined as grant decisions and engineering work proceed.