KEENE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A piece of history destroyed by fire in 2013 will be rebuilt.
Built in 1867, White’s Bridge was located over the Flat River between Belding and Lowell in Keene Township. It was the oldest functioning covered bridge in Michigan until it burned on July 7, 2013.
According to the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office, the fire’s origin was determined to be arson.
The White’s Bridge Historical Society confirms with FOX 17 that “we are funded” to rebuild the structure thanks to the help of private donors and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Costs for the reconstruction of the bridge will top $400,000. The society said enough money was raised for holiday decor and to begin an endowment fund.
The new bridge also will feature new security equipment.
The society said construction will start in 2016 and is expected to be completed later in the year.
As for who destroyed the bridge, officials say there are no new leads in the case.
PREVIOUS STORIES:
http://fox17online.com/2013/07/07/arson-destroys-historic-covered-bridge/
