Daviess County receives 2024 Local Government Corporation Award for bridge project

MONTGOMERY — Daviess County has been honored with the 2024 Local Government Corporation Award from the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) for its exemplary work on the Kendall J. Murphy Memorial Bridge project. This recognition highlights the county’s commitment to infrastructure improvement and community collaboration.

Several bridge inspection firms identified the bridge, located on 3rd Street in Montgomery, as a high-priority replacement, necessitating timely action. Daviess County partnered with the Town of Montgomery through an interlocal agreement to see the project through to completion.

Throughout the construction process, local officials diligently coordinated with key stakeholders, including Barr-Reeve Jr./Sr. High School, CSX Railroad, and area residents and businesses. Their efforts aimed to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition during the bridge’s replacement.

On October 24, 2023, the bridge was officially dedicated in honor of Kendall J. Murphy, a devoted Montgomery firefighter who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2017. This tribute is a lasting reminder of Murphy’s bravery and dedication to the community.

The award was presented to Daviess County officials on September 25 during the AIC Annual Conference, which emphasized the significance of local governance and infrastructure projects. This recognition underscores the successful collaboration between government entities and the community, highlighting the importance of teamwork in addressing local needs.