The rebuild of Easterly Bridge on Poplar Springs Road will not begin until all promised funding from TEMA and FEMA is in place, and when that might happen is unknown.
Kevin Swatsell and Gary Rector told the Budget and Finance Committee today until the money is actually appropriated, no work can begin.
Total estimated replacement costs of the bridge were put at $6.2 million, with federal government funds would cover 75% of the cost, just over $4.6 million.
The current Easterly Bridge was built in in 1986 and spanned the Nolichucky River at Poplar Springs Road at 416 feet in length. The bridge was washed off its piers and lays in the water, nearly fully intact, on the north side of the river. Poplar Springs Road is about 11 miles southeast of Greeneville, and connects the Newport Highway with Bright Hope Road.
