MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky. — Governor Steve Beshear's announcement that the Eggners Ferry Bridge will reopen by Memorial Day brought much excitement to the area.

But more importantly, Hall Construction said it will bring up to 50 jobs and the folks at Kenlake State Park and Resort couldn't be happier.

"The attitude of the employees and of the people in the community really picked up since the governor's announcement last week," said John Rittenhouse, Kenlake's park manager.

Rittenhouse hasn't had a lot to be excited about until recently.

"Everyone feels like we've got something to work for," he said.

Hall Construction had the winning $7 million bid to fix the bridge and Vice President Tom Roberts stands behind the aggressive deadline.

"We saw an opportunity that a lot of bidders would not look at based on the short time and it fit our resources," Robert said.

The company may hire local construction workers, creating jobs for a community that's been looking desperately for positive news. What makes Rittenhouse even more excited is the company's deadline, Memorial Day, is his busiest time of the year.

"The opening day, it's kind of like opening day of baseball season," Rittenhouse said.

Rittenhouse expects more than a thousand people to show up that weekend and Roberts doesn't want to let the state and public down.

Roberts is uncertain when work will begin on the bridge, but he said work offsite has already begun. Hall construction is getting the proper parts together now so when his team gets to the brIdge, it will be a quick turnaround to fill the missing span.