ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] [Endurance] No Hands Bridge Update 4 Jun 96

[endurance] [Endurance] No Hands Bridge Update 4 Jun 96

Lawrence A. Suddjian (102437.3565@compuserve.com)
06 Jun 96 00:24:12 EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"NO HANDS" BRIDGE UPDATE

June 4, 1996

Today, June 4, 1996 will be recorded as a milestone date in the effort
to re-open "No Hands" Bridge across the American River near Auburn, CA.

At approximately 9:45 A.M., Steve Anderson, Resource Planner representing
the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, gave permission to design and install
a gate system at each end of the bridge. The design will be based on an
opening that will be wide enough for passage of a pick-up truck and tall
enough for a mounted equestrian. There will be a device to lock the
gates as is now installed on the existing 48" x 48" gate on the El Dorado
side barricade.

Upon receipt of this authority, the Western States Trail Foundation
arranged for a site visit to determine the concept approved by USBR. At
7 P.M. a representative of WSTF met with Bill and Jared, owners of High
Sierra Fabricators, Newcastle, CA so a design could be developed and cost
of construction established. Preliminary discussions set a three workday
time schedule to complete re-work and installation of the gates after
shop fabrication time. Cost related to this project will be available
in a few days.

A meeting has been set up next week where representatives of the USBR,
Auburn State Recreation Area, WSTF, Western States Endurance Run
Foundation, Robie and Barner Foundations, and Neil Moore will discuss the
next phase of the stabilization project.

The cooperation of ALL agencies, foundations and persons around the world
has been an example of how the private sector and volunteers can
accomplish an almost impossible task for the satisfaction of the public.
Our government really does listen to the voice of the community.

Signatures have been collected from 4,979 persons that have requested the
Western States Trail be preserved and the bridge be repaired and kept
open to the public in the meantime. Petitions continue to come in from
all over the world and this process will continue until the bridge is re-opened.

Everyone is encourage to keep writing your local elected officials,
continue to circulate the petitions, and participate in the "Save No
Hands Bridge" fundraisers until the bridge is repaired and reopened.

For more information contact the Western States Trail Foundation, 701
High Street, Suite 228C, Auburn, CA 95603. 916/823-7282, FAX: 916/823-7901; e-mail: 102437.3565@CompuServe.COM or TevisLAS@AOL.COM or
wstf@foothill.net

Respectfully submitted,



Larry Suddjian, Vice President & Ride Director
WESTERN STATES TRAIL FOUNDATION