T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Monroe County Engineer Amy Zwick discusses the Knowlton Covered Bridge collapse with Commissioner Mick Schumacher.

WOODSFIELD — The Monroe County Board of Commissioners briefly discussed options involving the collapsed bridge at last week’s meeting.

The 132-year-old Knowlton Covered Bridge collapsed earlier this month before any renovation plans could get underway. In combination with the bridge’s deteriorating condition and recent bouts of tough weather, the bridge collapsed July 5.

Last week commissioners met with the County Risk Sharing Authority, the county’s insurance provider. They have yet to hear back about whether or not the insurance will help cover the damages sustained.

Monroe County Engineer Amy Zwick inquired about any updates on the

fallen bridge.

Commissioner Mick Schumacher explained that the crews may need a permit to work on the bridge clean-up.

“I was in contact with the Army Core, they called this morning. They were out yesterday. They did not anticipate that we need to have a permit to do what we need to do. We have permission from the property owners,” Schumacher said.

If crews have to access the water to retrieve materials from the fallen bridge, they will need a permit, he said.

The county may need to apply for a Nationwide Permit 33, which offers temporary access to the waterway.

“If you don’t need to get in the water, you shouldn’t need a permit, basically,” Zwick said. “If you need to get into the water to retrieve things, then I think that’s depending on who would do the work and what they would need. That’s what we would have to know before.”

There is still no word on the cost to fix the bridge. Zwick said she hopes the repairs will remain under $50,000.

Commissioner Tim Price said that he had spoke to David Simmons, president of the Ohio Historic Bridge Association, who previously offered to donate $10,000 towards the reconstruction of the Knowlton Bridge.

Price said that Simmons may now pay the entire amount to help restore the design of the bridge.

Commissioners said they are awaiting word from the insurance company before they can move forward with plans.