The Letcher County Fiscal Court took action Wednesday to replace a flood-damaged bridge that collapsed last month.

In a special meeting, the Letcher Fiscal Court approved an emergency measure to purchase a new bridge to replace the Perkins Branch Bridge. The court also approved bidding out the installation of the bridge.

The original span — the only access into Perkins Branch from adjacent Ky. Highway 7 — was damaged by flooding in February, and collapsed in early March, stranding dozens of families across Rockhouse Creek at Jeremiah in Letcher County. A Perkins Branch resident attending Wednesday’s Fiscal Court meeting was happy to hear the news.

The residents of Perkins Branch were stranded when their only bridge collapsed March 7 after having been damaged by floodwaters in February. A temporary, low-water crossing and an access was installed and open within about three day.

That temporary low-water crossing washed out about three weeks after it was installed, but has since been repaired.

Letcher County Attorney Jamie Hatton said since the county has declared an emergency in regard to the Perkins Branch Bridge collapse, the court can forego the bidding process for the cost of purchasing the bridge. The project to install the bridge will be bid out.

Letcher Judge-Executive Jim Ward said the new bridge, which will cost around $77,000, plus installation costs, will restore permanent access to Perkins Branch. He said he hopes the project will be completed in about six weeks.

All of the magistrates in attendance Wednesday approved the measure. Magistrate Terry Adams was not in attendance at the meeting.

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