The Wnona County Highway Department will make a second request to the Department of Transportation to help pay for the replacement of a bridge in Elba Township that is being called a hazard.
                
County Engineer Dave Kramer told the County Board the 80 year old Fairwater Bridge, located just west of Elba on a township road, has already caused some close calls including the almost loss of one life. Replacing it would cost an estimated $400,000.
                
Calling it a safety hazard, Kramer said Elba Township says doing nothing is not an option.  MnDOT earlier turned down a first request for funding disputing whether it can technically be called a bridge.  If the funding is approved, Winona County would have to put up $20,000 in matching funds because the township does not have that money.
                
Kramer said a small child was sucked into a culvert under the bridge last year but survived. Kramer said a dog was also sucked in but did not make it causing significant safety concerns.