Missouri Will Give You this Bridge for Free, But There's a Catch

I have a soft spot in my heart for Missouri bridges and have crossed more than I can remember in my lifetime. However, I don't know if I'm prepared to have my own bridge even though the state of Missouri is offering a couple of them at no charge whatsoever. There are some complications, though.

I was first clued into this interesting offer on the Missouri sub-Reddit. The Missouri Department of Conservation has an interesting site that says "Free Bridges!". They're not kidding either. When they have a historic bridge that needs to be demolished, they make it available for anyone that has a use for it. It's the law. Here are their exact words to explain why:

"Federal law requires any state proposing demolition of a historic bridge involved in a bridge replacement project using federal funds to “first make the historic bridge available for donation to a State, locality, or responsible private entity”

What bridges in Missouri are available for free right now?

Theodosia Bridge

Swan Creek Bridge

So what's the catch?

First, you have to deconstruct the bridge and make use of it in a way that honors its history. You also have to be financially responsible for any liabilities of the bridge in the future. There is some good news, though. The Missouri Department of Conservation says that 100% of the demolition costs MIGHT be available for reimbursement, but since this is the federal government we're talking about, expect lots and lots of red tape. If this free bridge opportunity sounds good to you, check out the Bridge Marketing Plan from the state of Missouri.