Final plans in place for Fourth

By DAVE GOSSETT, staff writer

STEUBENVILLE - The final permits have been secured, the fireworks are ready and Mayor Domenick Mucci is ready to host the city's final Fourth of July party Saturday at the city marina.

The event has been billed as a farewell to the Fort Steuben Bridge.

The 80-year-old Ohio River span has served as the launch site for the past several years for the Steubenville-Weirton joint fireworks display.

The Ohio Department of Transportation closed the bridge earlier this year because of structural concerns and original plans called for the structure to be demolished later this year at a cost of $6 million.

But Becky McCarty, a spokesperson with ODOT said today the bridge will remain standing for another year.

"We had committed to having the demolition done in the fall and winter to minimize any impact to the city marina and the Ohio River traffic. And original plans called for the demolition work to start in November and be completed early next year. But getting agreements from so many entities took longer than anticipated, so while we could still see some work this winter, we are looking at the fall and winter of 2010 for the bridge to be completely demolished," explained McCarty.

She also said ODOT has started a 14-day public comment period on the demolition of the bridge and the impact to the area.

"This is something we are required to do with any work of this type, and we are now accepting comments until July 14," noted McCarty.

Mucci said there are no plans to hold Independence Day celebrations at the marina in 2010.

"We have always had a successful Independence Day celebration at the city marina in the past, and we still have all of the ingredients to have a good celebration again this year," said Mucci.

"We are looking at a couple of options for next year, but at this point we will focus on our festivities at the marina on Saturday," Mucci said.

"We now have several vendors who have committed to join us at the marina again this year so there will be plenty of delicious food available for sale as well as inflatable games free for area children to enjoy from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.," noted Mucci.

"The Steel Valley Regional Transit bus drivers have agreed to work Saturday, so the free shuttle service between Belleview Park and the marina will once again be available. The shuttle buses are vital as people start arriving later in the evening for the fireworks," added Mucci.

He noted the city administration is trying to work with city employees to avoid creating any overtime this year.

"The city is facing the same tough economic issues the entire country is facing, but we are trying to work through that," said Mucci.

The entertainment for this year's celebration at the marina will include The Fossils from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Catherine Losey, 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and the Mahajibee Blues, 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m."

"We will start the salute to military heroes at 9:30 p.m., and our farewell to the Fort Steuben Bridge will start with the final fireworks display sponsored by Steubenville and Weirton from the old bridge at 10 p.m.," explained Mucci.

Mucci said other July 4 events will include the senior citizens luncheon at the JFK Apartment complex at noon, free swimming at Belleview Pool from noon until 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies at the marina at 1:30 p.m.

"This will again be a great event because we are celebrating our country's birthday. I am urging all area residents to consider helping us this year with a financial donation or volunteer labor.

"And I am inviting area residents to join us at the marina for a great salute to the Fort Steuben Bridge and to our country," stated Mucci.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)