By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
twitter.com/stacidasilva
Woodbury County Supervisor George Boykin said, "The Board, I don't believe, has ever stated that we want to move Port Neal. I think we have to keep that there because of the infrastructure and also the major businesses that we have in that particular area."
This is the first time the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors has said that it doesn't plan on moving the Port Neal bridge.
"The truth is all we want," said Caryl Powel, a Salix homeowner.
The County had previously sent a letter to the DOT requesting the bridge be moved north, to serve both the County and Sioux City's future industrial parks.
"I think Mark signed this letter, if any of the rest of you disagree with this letter, you should speak now," said Mike Patterson of Sloan, IA.
Both George Boykin and Larry Clausen said they did not support what's written in the letter. And Board Member Mark Monson, who signed it, says it was just for informational purposes.
"I never intended to have Port Neal interchange tore down. Never been my intent, ever," said Monson.
So now that the county's saying it doesn't want to move the bridge, who does want to move the bridge?
Boykin said, "The City has always been an advocate for wanting to move that interchange. I think they still, or they did still have that same position. I'm not sure it's as firm anymore."
Well, the city says it has changed its opinion.
Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott said, "We're not necessarily in favor of moving the existing bridge. We'd just like another interchange in that area."
To hear more about the issue, there will be an open public meeting, held by the County Board of Supervisors next Monday, January 23rd, at 6pm at the Sgt. Bluff City Council Chambers.
