Alert

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Bob Casey (Pa.) today introduced the Support for Bridges Act, bipartisan legislation that builds on their ongoing efforts to support our nation’s off-system bridges in need of repair.

“Bridges are vital to our transportation network and our economy, but in Missouri alone, there are nearly 6,500 bridges in critical need of repair,” Blunt said. “That’s why I’m continuing to work with Senator Casey to help provide states and local leaders with the tools and resources they need to restore certainty in our bridge system, and encourage jobs and economic growth in communities across Missouri and the nation.”

“Off-system bridges are the foundation of our infrastructure network, as they often represent the first and last miles of every trip,” Casey said. “Investing in repairing our nation’s structurally deficient bridges will create jobs and improve infrastructure in Pennsylvania and across our nation.” 

Specifics on the Bill:

The bill continues upon the work done by Blunt and Casey during consideration of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) for off-system bridges, by helping to support on-system, non National Highway System (NHS) bridges. The bill increases funds to the Surface Transportation Program (STP), which funds on-system, non-NHS Bridges.

It keeps the money flexible so the states and local-decision makers can prioritize the funding which is needed to support bridges after predictable bridge funding was removed under MAP-21. It would also clarify that the set aside for off-system bridges must come out of the state’s portion of the STP and not off the top of the program, which could otherwise affect sub allocation to local areas.

Background on Blunt and Casey’s Efforts:

In March 2012, Blunt and Casey successfully teamed up to introduce a bipartisan amendment to support off-system bridges, which was included in the transportation bill.

In September 2013, Blunt and Casey also introduced a bipartisan bill to increase bridge investment for off-system bridges from approximately 15 percent to 25 percent.

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