[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


INTRODUCTION OF THE SAFE BRIDGES RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION ACT OF 
                                  1997

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                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 1997

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, this year Congress will take up the 
reauthorization of the ISTEA law to ensure that the critical 
infrastructure needs of our Nation are met as we strive toward a more 
efficient safe, and productive transportation network. To that effect, 
I am introducing legislation that will expand the bridge discretionary 
program and I would allow States and local communities to receive 
sufficient funds for high cost bridges that are in dire need of 
replacement.
  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 1995, 25 
percent of the Nation's interstate bridges were classified as 
deficient. Twenty eight (28) percent of the 130,000 bridges on all 
other arterial systems in the nation were deficient as well.
  In fiscal year 1994-96 States requested $1.28 billion in 
discretionary funds for 65 different bridges. Currently, ISTEA funds 
the bridge discretionary program at $69 million a year and there is 
tremendous need for a greatly expanded program. My legislation would 
authorize $800 million to be used out of our transportation funds in 
the new highway bill for these bridges.
  In the 1970's and 1980's, the Federal highway program has a large 
discretionary component that met the needs of replacing aging bridges 
and reconstructing early segments of the interstate system. However, in 
the last two surface transportation acts, these programs were severely 
cut back. Prior to ISTEA, the bridge discretionary program was funded 
at the $200 to $225 million level annually. ISTEA dramatically scaled 
back the funding, and the state of the nation's bridges has continued 
to deteriorate.
  An expanded bridge discretionary program would allow your State to 
compete for bridge funds each year. It would permit these projects to 
move ahead faster and receive more money rather than relying on a 
State's regular apportionment or scarce demonstration project funds. 
Once these bridge projects receive their initial funding, they go to 
the top of the list to receive funds in the future years, if needed.
  The Nation benefits from a strong Federal transportation system. We 
must allow the Federal Government to have the flexibility to fund a 
State's extraordinary bridge needs in any given year. This legislation 
would provide the funding and flexibility to meet this pressing need to 
help rebuild our high-traffic bridges that are in very poor condition 
nationwide.

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