Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-08-14
STATE HOUSE
Council A. N, Wednesday, Aus 10

Next Meeting Of Governor and ceur
The Arrowsic- Woolwich bridge
question came before the Governor
and Executive Council at the weekly
session on Wednesday. representa-
lives Of the towns Of Arrowsic and
Georgetown and the city Of Bath be-
ing present, with a request that II
possible the State assist in the re-
construction Of the bridge. the towns
feeling unable financially to bear the
burden.
The feeling at the close Of the
hearing was that the best action I'M
der all the circumstances would be to
establish and maintain scow ferry
between Woolwich and Arrowsic, ap-
ply to the Legislature at the coming
special session for authority to form
a bridge district and finally, when the
time comes build a complete and
suitable structure. as what even is
left of the old bridge is in poor con-
pairs or rebuilding in a short time.
Those present were: Frank B.
Nichols Of Bath. former Councillor
from the Sd District and editor of the
Bath Times; George L. Tarr, chair
man of the Arrowsic selectmen;
William Berry, chairman. and A. E.
Buzzell, selectmen of Georgetown;
and Walter e. Reid of Seguinland.
Highway Commissioners Deering,
Aver and Peabody and Chief Engi-
neer Paul D. Sargent were also pres
ent and took part in the hearing.
Mr.. Nichols opened the proceed
ings by stating that the loss Of the
bridge was blow to not only the
| towns directly interested and served
F; by 1t but to Bath and the entire sec
/ tion. Arrowsic owned the bridge. but
| is small and poor town and cannot
/ afford the heavy expense of rebuild
ing or repairing the structure, and
in the meantime every individual
there and in Georgetown is suffering
inconvenience. He knew that any
assistance of a financial nature from
the State would be a wise investment
and assistance fully appreciated by
all.
ASelectmen George L. Tarr of Ar
rowsic said the bridge was built in
l847 and taken over by the town in
1871. 1t was about 900 feet long and
about 10 feet went out. the top of the
long pier separating and sliding into
the river. The receipts are about
$500 and cost about 500 yearly. The
town feels unable to rebuild and
would welcome assistance
William Berry, selectman. of
Georgetown. said his town was will
ing to assist in rebuilding, if posi-
BILE. A special town meeting was
called. but 1t was found by ruling Of
the county attorney that the town
could not raise money for that pur.
pose without Legislative action, so
the meeting was adjourned. He
thought some money could be raised
by subscription. Georgetown has
about 500 popular and $25S,000 valua-
ton and Arrowsic about $50 people
and $4,000 valuation.
Walter e. Reid of Seguinland, a
native and legal resident of Arrow
sic. said the loss Of the bridge was a
; disaster to the island towns About
. Is automobiles were stranded on the
, islands, including two of his own.
The many summer guests as we'll as
residents are put to great incon-
venience as we'll as financial loss He
knew that any assistance the State
can give will be thoroughly appre-
ciated.
Georgetown tax rate is ~ mills and
Arrowsic "a mills. Georgetown's debt
is $4,000 to $4,000 and Arrowsic's
about $1,000. Georgetown is about to
it's debt limit.
8 Woolwich has taken no part in de.
fraying the bridge expense, although
! that town benefits by it.
,, Mr.. Tarr thought Woolwich didn't
care whether or not a bridge was
there.
Chairman Deering of the Highway
Commission inquired il Woolwich
could be forced against its will into a
, bridge district, suggesting that II
: such a district is formed. woolwich
3 would logically seem to be needed
: therein. No one knew.
) Chief Engineer Sargent said he
! visited the bridge Saturday with
. Bridge Engineer Jones. Pier was
built with solid log bottom and log
crib top. loaded with rocks. The
water probably undermined the piel
and 1t broke of. The steel pier "a
, feet long went down. We find 81
. feet Of water at low water. Spruce
logs will cost about $40 per thousand
Rock ballast must be brought by
scow. Estimated will cost to rebuild
pier, raise span and make other
necessary repairs. about $4,000;
possibly little less, probably not.
We figured going to solid rock
about so feet. The pier would be
logs filed with rocks, with squared
timber framework on top. filled with
rock. a.-..
Chairman Deering stated that he
had ben over the matter with Atty
Gen. Sturgis to see how the case
could be brought under the State and
county aid act and it seemed that the
best, perhaps the only thing to do
will be the formation of bridge dis
trict at the coming special session of
the Legislature.
i Mr.. Sargent thought it would take
to weeks with an ordinary crew.
He also thought that in a few years
the rest Of the bridge will need ex.
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