[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 46 (Thursday, March 14, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1100
                          GRAHAM CREEK BRIDGE

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure with a strong background in the 
industry, I understand the vital role freight rail plays in getting 
Hoosier-made and Hoosier-grown products to the market.
  Short line freight rail makes up nearly 30 percent of all freight 
rail, allowing rural communities like those across Indiana's Sixth 
District to play an integral role in our economy. One such line is the 
Madison Railroad, which provides exclusive access to the national rail 
network for many Hoosiers in southeastern Indiana.
  The city of Madison is working to obtain Federal grant funding to 
replace the 100-year-plus Graham Creek Bridge, critical infrastructure 
that keeps the Madison Railroad safely operating and serving our 
community.
  Built in the 19th century, the current structure poses an immediate 
safety risk and cannot accommodate heavy commercial freight loads. 
Replacement of this bridge will benefit southeast Indiana by removing a 
potential safety risk and creating jobs and economic opportunity for 
Hoosiers.
  Mr. Speaker, we are proud of the historic architecture throughout 
Indiana, and the Graham Creek Bridge has been an iconic landmark that 
extends over the beautiful Muscatatuck River. I hope my colleagues in 
this Chamber can join me in supporting this infrastructure project.

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