A new bridge will enable a northern section of the Fort Dodge Nature Trail to be reopened next spring.

That portion of the trail just north of Soldier Creek Drive was closed this summer because of the condition of a bridge. That bridge was originally a railroad trestle and was close to 100 years old.

The City Council on Monday purchased a replacement bridge from Custom Manufacturing Inc., of Clinton, Wisconsin, for $125,300.

The new span will be 80 feet long and 10 feet wide and is to be put in place next spring.

The council approved the purchase unanimously.

Also on Monday, the council approved the first reading of a measure that effectively shuts down a tax increment financing district because it has reached the 20-year limit spelled out in state law.

Tax increment financing occurs when increased property tax revenue from a designated area is set aside to be reinvested in that area to spur economic development or assist with clean up of blight. Generally, the city government borrows money to do a project and uses tax increment financing money to pay off the debt.

Under state law, tax increment financing districts established after 1995 have a 20-year life span.

The district the council acted on is south of Fifth Avenue South and east of 25th Street.

Since the property tax revenue will no longer be set aside for that district, the city government could receive up to $134,000 in revenue.

The measure will have to be approved two more times to go into effect.