Collapse of Cole Co. road will cost taxpayers

ABC 17 News first reported on the collapse of a Cole County road earlier this week.

We’re learning the repairs to Lower Bottom Road could cost taxpayers.

Lower Bottom Road is sliding down a hill near the Osage River bottoms just north of St. Thomas.

County officials are now estimating it could cost in the range of $700,000 to repair the slide.

“We’re going to be meeting with FEMA representatives next week to take a look at it. Our plans are to do a design and figure out what is going on underneath the surface,” said Larry Benz with Cole County Public Works.

Right now, the road is closed indefinitely.

County engineers said they aren’t sure if the damage will continue; it all depends on if more rain moves in.

They also said there is a contingency fund, but they are hoping FEMA can kick in extra money.