Supervisors revisit dam closure issue

By JIM SECKLER

KINGMAN -- The controversial subject of the closure of Davis Dam is being brought back to the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Monday.

The federal Bureau of Reclamation closed the road across the dam Monday to traffic due to possible terrorism threats. Pedestrians crossing across the dam would still be allowed.

At the last supervisor's meeting, the Board approved a resolution to close access across the dam but with two conditions.

District 1 Supervisor Pete Byers amended the resolution on the condition that allowed emergency vehicles access and that the federal government help in building a second bridge across the Colorado River.

District 2 Supervisor Tom Sockwell has since changed his mind and now opposes the closure of the dam to traffic and is bringing the issue back for reconsideration at Monday's board meeting.

District 3 Supervisor Buster Johnson also opposed the closure.

Sockwell is also seeking a joint agreement between Mohave County, Kingman, Bullhead City, Laughlin and Clark County in Nevada to appeal to the federal Department of Transportation to build a second bridge.

A four-lane second bridge that would connect Bullhead City with Laughlin would be needed as a result of the Davis Dam closure. Sockwell estimates the bridge would cost approximately $20 million.

The issue is the traffic nightmare if an accident closes Laughlin Bridge for any length of time. The bridge has been closed six times in 19 months because of accidents.

If Laughlin Bridge is closed, motorists would have to travel about a half hour south to the Avi Bridge to cross the Colorado River.

In other issues, the Board will discuss in executive session the recent legislative redistricting. The recent change in state legislative districts splits Mohave County into sections with Kingman and part of Northern Mohave County separate from Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City.

The supervisors will also discuss a new contract with American Express for travel cards for employees. A contract with Bank of America ends next month.

Because travel expenses are not included in the new card, the county is negotiating with American Express for a special card for county employees who need a credit card for county-related travel.

The Board will also discuss an intergovernmental agreement with Kingman on issues pertaining to the proposed county building.

The agreement will include the city of Kingman waiving permit and inspection fees, providing water and sewer facilities and reimburse the county for city-levied sales taxes during the construction project.

The supervisors will also discuss an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the state Department of Economic Security for more than $257,000 in funding for work programs for adults and youth.

The Board will also discuss appointing or reappointing six members of the Public Land Use Committee.