Bipartisan Casey Legislation to Help PA Counties Repair Bridges Passes Senate

Casey’s Amendment Part of Job-Creating Transportation Bill to Boost America’s Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today secured passage of his bipartisan amendment to ensure that Pennsylvania’s counties are not left bearing the brunt of the cost for repairs to bridges that do not receive federal aid. The amendment passed as part of a bill to rebuild America’s transportation infrastructure and create jobs.

“Far too many bridges in Pennsylvania and across the country are structurally deficient,” Senator Casey said. “My amendment will improve safety and keep our communities connected, which creates and sustains economic growth.”

Senator Casey’s amendment to the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act would establish a dedicated revenue stream through the Off-System Bridge Program for bridges that are not on federal-aid or the National Highway System.

More than one out of every four off-system bridges across the country is structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Of those, thirty-five percent are functionally obsolete.

Senator Casey’s amendment ensures that counties are not left bearing the full responsibility of the cost of their off-system bridge needs.  It gives states and counties the proper tools and the assurance of a steady flow of funding needed to maintain our nation’s bridges.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act would direct nearly $3.3 billion to Pennsylvania over the next two years. A U.S. Department of Transportation study shows that for every $1 billion invested in transportation, between 27,000 to 37,000 jobs are created.   

A county-by-county list of the number of off-system bridges in Pennsylvania is below:

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