Self-Insurance of the Newfield Covered Bridge
Tompkins County
Summary
The county's insurer dropped the historic Newfield Covered Bridge, and the only replacement quote was $52,785 a year — 17 times the old premium. The committee recommended self-insuring the $2.2 million bridge but wants a condition inspection and more detail on what else the county self-insures before the full Legislature votes.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 18, 2026.
Impact analysis
Saves about $50,000 a year versus the only insurance quote, but the county now bears the full risk on a $2.2 million structure.
Town of Newfield residents and users of the last covered bridge open to vehicular traffic in New York State.
County taxpayers, who absorb any loss if the uninsured bridge is damaged.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Facilities and Infrastructure Committee - Regular Meeting — June 18, 2026
Legislator Brown flagged a deteriorating shake roof and peeling paint on the historic Newfield Covered Bridge, possibly the oldest drivable covered bridge in New York. Highway staff will dig into who's responsible and get repair assessments.
Facilities and Infrastructure Committee - Regular Meeting — March 19, 2026
The insurer dropped the historic bridge's $3,000-a-year policy, and the only replacement quote was $52,785. The county will self-insure instead, with a $1 million deductible and catastrophic coverage above that.
Government Operations Committee - Regular Meeting — March 10, 2026
The county's insurer dropped the historic Newfield Covered Bridge, and the only replacement quote was $52,785 a year — 17 times the old premium. The committee recommended self-insuring the $2.2 million bridge but wants a condition inspection and more detail on what else the county self-insures before the full Legislature votes.
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