October 8th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Legislation introduced by House Minority Leader Jason Buckel earlier this year gave hope for the repair of three Cumberland bridges that have closed since 2017.  House Bill 860 would make common carriers liable for damage done to public structures like bridges. Buckel says he did not intentionally write the bill to be retroactive, but it could be tried by courts…

   

“Their ultimate decision. They’re in control of their lawyers, their budget. Whether or not they choose to try it, I don’t know. It’s obviously very clear that it would apply if anything else ever happened in the future – the law’s on the books. If you hit them and don’t fix them, you’re liable for a continuing nuisance.”

Buckel said he hopes the city will somehow use the legislation to its benefit…

   

“And I think Mayor Morriss wants to see it get done. I think the city council folks want to see it get done. But it just sort of seems stuck. And so, if the legislation helps it get unstuck, then I’m all for that.”