Bridge Information and Current Updates
Since its construction in 1958, RIIA has collected funds to maintain the Island's privately-owned 788-foot timber bridge.  Annual engineering inspections are performed to ensure the safety and performance of the structure.  Annual repairs are typically budgeted and completed the following year.

In 1996, RIIA recommended and approved a vote to establish a Bridge Replacement Fund (BRF) whereby, in addition to regular Island management dues, an investment strategy was created to fund the future reconstruction of the Raft Island bridge.  In 2011 the annual Bridge Replacement assessment will be $415 per lot with a 8.04% increase each year through 2016.



Summary ...

Last year the Bridge Committee reported that based on rising maintenance costs, engineering expenses, insurance fees, permitting and construction repairs needed to keep our bridge structurally sound and even with last year's increase, RIIA Membership Dues for Bridge Repairs are not keeping up.

There have been approximately $434,000 in repairs over the last 8 years and another $60,000 is needed this summer. The work to solicit bids, review engineering estimates and supervise this work has been done by volunteers. But as the bridge continues to age, these repairs are becoming more critical and costly. The work once done by volunteers is becoming more and more difficult without professional oversight.



The Choices ...

Although maintenance could continue indefinitely, the cost to design, engineer, permit, project manage, mobilize, supervise and repair every few years is estimated to be over double the cost to replace the bridge.  By 2018, the projected annual dues increase needed to continue maintaining the bridge may actually cost more than the annual dues needed to construct a new one.

In order to protect the value of our homes and our properties, we must develop a decisive plan forward.  Our shared ownership for a successful outcome depends on an informed and collective decision.  With the 1995 Bridge Replacement Assessment expiring in 2016 and well below what's needed to build a new bridge, doing nothing was not an option. On February 28th, 2011, members of the Bridge Committee presented their recommendation to the Board.  After an extensive discussion, both groups unanimously voted to recommend replacing the Raft Island Bridge.

In the interim, the Board proposed an increase in our Bridge Replacement Fund (BRF) from approximately $34 per month ($415 per year) to a total of $100 per month (an increase of $785** annually for a total of $1200 this year).  (** The $785 amount will be collected through 2016 and does not include the 8.04% bump each year.) 



The Vote ...

Go to the ANNUAL DUES page to see the revised RIIA dues schedule.

Annual Membership Meeting (Monday, May 16, 2011) Vote Results:

  • Increase the BRF fund collections by $785/yr - Approved:  103 yes / 33 no
  • Phase I to replace the bridge - Approved:  116 yes / 19 no

A majority vote in favor of replacing the bridge directed the Bridge Committee and Board to research funding options, legal advice, tax considerations and engineering consultants services.  Findings will be presented to the membership through periodic Information Meetings posted on the front page of this website and on the Bridge.  Prior to moving to Phase II of the project (obligate the membership to a funding institution), another voting ballot will be circulated.  That ballot is expected in the first quarter of 2012.

Any member that can help, please contact the Bridge Committee at 222-2786 or 405-0639.
Funding Update ...

USDA provides direct and guaranteed loans for bridge reconstruction project   (read more...)


RFQ for Project Manager ...

In September 2011, the Bridge Committee posted a Request for Qualifications to solicit an "owner-representative" to assist RIIA by acting as Project Manager throughout the design and construction project.  They will begin by initiating and managing the work (Phase I geotechnical analysis, topographic survey, mapping validation and preliminary analysis for a preferred bridge design) that was passed by ballot vote in May.  Proceeding to Phase II of the project (engineered plans, permitting and construction documents) will require a vote by the membership. 


Related Documents ...