$5 Billion in Federal Grants to Improve Aging Bridges in 16 States
Federal Funding to Enhance Infrastructure and Safety Across the U.S.
Washington, D.C. / July 18, 2024 / AP News / David A. Lieb -- President Joe Biden's administration has announced the allocation of $5 billion in federal grants to replace or improve dozens of aging bridges in 16 states. This initiative is part of a massive infrastructure law aimed at modernizing the nation's transportation network.
AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File
The projects span from coast to coast, with the largest grant of $1.4 billion designated to replace two vertical lift bridges over the Columbia River, connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. These bridges, previously granted $600 million in December, are recognized as "the worst trucking bottleneck" in the region, according to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The new bridges will be seismically resilient and multimodal, accommodating vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and transit.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek hailed the federal funding as "fantastic news" that will boost the economy while advancing environmental goals such as reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change effects.
Other significant projects receiving $500 million or more include:
- The Sagamore Bridge in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
- An Interstate 10 bridge project in Mobile, Alabama.
- The Interstate 83 South bridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which was highlighted by Buttigieg during a visit on Wednesday.
These federal grants represent the latest efforts by the Biden administration to improve the nation's aging infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency for millions of Americans.
