The Colfax gazette. [volume] (Colfax, Wash.) 1893-1932, 1910-03-25
BRIDGE CONTRACT At
COOPER LAKE VACATED
Citizens of CoIfax Ask for a
Wider Structure.
Will Probably Be Granted in Part--
Comm issioners Ask for Bids for
Erection of a County Poor Farm
Building Adjoining CoIfax.

The county commissioners were in
session Monday and Tuesday of this
week. The contract let for building the
Cooper lake bridge in the south end OF
Colfax was declared vacated, this being
done with the consent of A. Walk. who
was awarded the contract last week to
build it. 1t was considered a case of
emergency, Mr.. Walk being given the
work to build this bridge and the bridge
on Grand street, Pullman, at a figure
considered by all to be reasonable, with
out bids being advertised for. Since the
county has erected temporary struct-
ure on piles at Cooper lake sufficient to
accommodate the public until such time
as permanent structure can be put in
place.
Monday Mayor Lippitt, city council
peared before the commissioners and
asked that the plans and specifications
of this bridge be changed, making the
driveway over it "a feet in width instead
OF 20, and the passageway for pedestrians
eight feet instead of five, as provided for
in the contract. 1t was pointed out
that more travel passed over this bridge
than any other bridge in the county,
therefore it should be widened to fully
accommodate this travel. The matter
as it stands remains in allegiance, the
commissioners being willing to grant the
added width in the part assigned to
pedestrians, but will not likely acquiesce
in the demand for greater width for
vehicles unless the city can stand part OF
the expense. Twenty feet is the stand
ard width for county bridges. Contract
ors and builders keep material on hand
at all times for bridges of that width,
being compelled TO manufacture material
specially if any other width is demanded,
hence bids are gauged accordingly.
County Poor Farm Building.
The auditor was directed to advertise
for bids to construct the house on the
new poor farm adjoining the city limits
of COlfax on the west, according to plans
and specifications on file. The building
is to be two-story brick, with cement
foundation, steam heated, etc.
The auditor was also directed to ad
vertise for the sale of the present poor
farm at Elberton, consisting approx
mately of 12O acres.
1t should be stated in this connection
that petition was filed with the COM
missioners protesting against removal
of the poor farm, coming ostensibly from
Palouse but really from Elberton. A
prominent citizen of Elberton was the
only one who appeared in person to
voice his protest, his plea being that the
money should be used in building roads
and bridges instead OF putting up new
poor farm buildings. Thia work was
provided for by special levy, and the
money could not be used for any other
purpose even if desired. Besides, the
buildings at EIbertOn are old and would
soon have to be replaced, it costs more
to maintain and handle the farm so far
| from the county seat, which is the proper
location for it. The 90 acres of land
purchased here have greatly increased in
value since the purchase, it being cOnsid
cred a move in the right direction by
those who understand the situation.