Bridge funding not a sure thing

The re-appropriation of mostly federal money to Haiti Island bridge replacement may not get approval without some challenges from the Cayuga County Legislature at a special meeting Thursday night.

State Sen. Mike Nozzolio, R-Fayette, announced Tuesday that $1.69 million would be made available to the town of Mentz to repair the bridge connecting Haiti Island to Route 38. However, county legislators will need to agree to re-allocate that money, which was originally pegged for another bridge in the town of Mentz.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Dudley, R-Cato, said he will need some questions answered before agreeing to essentially put the High Bridge project - proposed for 2011 or 2012 - on hold to give Haiti Island priority.