BRIDGE BE GONE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the history of this bridge?
A: As far as we can tell the bridge has existed in one form or another at that place on the river for over one hundred years. We understand that it was originally built by a man named LeBoeuf. Most of us remember the bridge during the 1960's as a wooden structure much higher above the water than it is now with solid railings. We don't know why or when the bridge was re-built as a much lower steel structure. There was a logging accident in 1978 causing damage to the bridge so that it had to be repaired but we believe that it had been re-built into its present appearance before that.
Q: Have you contacted the owner to discuss LeBoeuf bridge?
A: Yes, we first contacted Mr.McCormick in 2003 when we sent a letter of
introduction and raised our concerns about the safety of the bridge. We
followed this up with several phone conversations in which the
possibility of raising the bridge was discussed. After three cordial
conversations, Mr. McCormick informed us that he would not consider
altering the bridge at that time and would be leaving any future
decisions concerning the bridge to his heirs. It was at that time that
we decided to pursue a different course of action.
Q: Why has no one complained about this bridge until now?
A: Several people have been complaining about this bridge for at least
twenty-seven years but the complaints have always been ignored. The
complaint has never been taken this far.
Q: Who has jurisdiction over LeBoeuf bridge?
A: We have been trying to determine this for years but, to date, have
not been given a definitive answer. The Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC), Adirondack Park agency (APA), Army Corps of
Engineers, New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and others
have been contacted but no one wants to take responsibility or provide
a possible remedy for this hazardous situation.
Q: Why was nothing done when the young boy lost his life while passing
under this bridge?
A: That has still not been determined. In 1982, as part of a wrongful
death settlement, Mr. McCormick was ordered by the New York State
Supreme Court to make certain applications for the reconstruction of
LeBoeuf Bridge to raise the height of same. Mr. McCormick has stated that
the State of New York denied permission. DEC was contacted to confirm
this but the agency has not been able to find any records of this
application. They cannot provide a legitimate reason why any such
application would be denied. Especially under the circumstances!
Q: Have you contacted any local or State Government officials?
A; Yes, we have contacted County Legislators Paul Maroun and Tim Burpoe,
Senator Betty Little's office, Governor George Pataki's office, and Attorney
General Elliot Spitzers office. (Most referred us to the DEC as the
agency to contact.) As advised, we are presently working on a
resolution for submission to the County Legislature and Town and Village
of Tupper Lake.
Q: Have you kept in contact with the bridge owner?
A: Yes, In a recent phone conversation Mr. McCormick indicated that he
was aware that the bridge was a danger to navigation and would prefer
that the bridge was reconstructed to provide safer clearance. However,
he again referred to the denial of application by NY State in 1982 and
went on further to suggest that even if he was given permission it would
be cost prohibitive at this time for him to undertake without
considerable financial assistance.
Q: How high do you want to raise LeBoeuf Bridge?
A: We are asking that the bridge be raised to allow an additional two
feet of clearance above its present level. It is our understanding that
this is the height agreed upon by the parties in the 1982 settlement.
Q: Who do you expect to pay for any reconstruction done on the bridge?
A: That would depend on who is ultimately deemed responsible for the
Bridge's present state. If, in fact New York State did deny permission
to Mr. McCormick to raise the bridge as agreed upon in the 1982 wrongful
death settlement, it would seem that they would be liable for any
subsequent accidents caused by the bridge's low clearance level. We are
still trying to find an answer to this question.
Q: So where are you now with this effort?
A: Currently we are enlisting the support of Tupper Lake Village, Tupper Lake Town, Franklin County and New York State legislators. The Department of Environmental Conservation's legal department has been seriously researching their possible jurisdiction over this bridge regarding its height above the water. They have contacted us every two weeks between September 8 and October 19 to report on their progress. The research is finished and the question is with head of DEC legal counsel for consideration. We hope to know the outcome by Spring.