Keokuk, IA – Chicago businessman Craig Burroughs wants to buy the bridge for $500,000. He made his presentation to the Keokuk City Council last week.
Keokuk Junction Railway used this week's workshop to speak out against Burroughs' offer. The company also renewed its call for the formation of a non-profit group to oversee and maintain the bridge.
Keokuk Junction Railway is the only railroad that uses the bridge. The company provides services to Roquette America and Griffin Wheel.
Alderwoman Susan Dunek says the bridge, parks, and cemetery sub-committee has a lot to consider.
"We still have to make a decision as to whether we are capable of owning and operating the bridge," says Dunek, "because that has a lot of bearing on the decision whether to divest of the bridge or not."
Dunek says Keokuk has not accepted Burroughs' offer. It has been reviewed by the bridge, parks, and cemetery sub-committee.
The panel hopes to meet, next week, to continue the discussions on the bridge. Those discussions could include the local group that has been working with Burroughs.
Former Mayor Dave Gudgel says he assembled a group, last year, after Burroughs approached the city. He said the group was almost ready to make a recommendation to the city, but Burroughs beat it to the punch and presented his idea to the city council.
Alderman Roger Bryant says the city has received several phone calls, in the last few days, from people interested in acquiring the bridge.