WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania’s counties are not left bearing the brunt of the cost for repairs to bridges that are not on federal aid or the National Highway System.
“Far too many bridges in Pennsylvania and across the country are structurally deficient,” Senator Casey said. “This legislation will improve safety and keep our communities connected, which creates and sustains economic development.”
Senator Casey introduced the legislation as an amendment to S. 1813, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, with Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). The amendment 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.
The amendment ensures that counties are not left bearing the full responsibility of the cost of their off-system bridge needs. It gives our states and counties the proper tools and the assurance of a steady flow of funding in order to properly invest in our nation’s bridges.
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