Kitsap span included in $605 million fix for state bridges
The first round of investments in repairing Washington state bridges under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law, which includes a fix for the Port Washington bridge on SR 303 in Kitsap County, was announced Friday by U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer’s office.
The $121 million portion is part of the overall $605.1 million investment over the next five years for bridge fixes in the state.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 416 bridges in this state are currently considered to be in poor condition. The investment is designed to help Washington state repair or replace the local bridges that are critical for getting to school or work, moving commerce, and helping connect communities, Kilmer’s office said in a news release.
The Bridge Formula Program, to be administered by the Federal Highway Administration, represents the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. It is providing $26.3 billion to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico over the five years of the law, and $825 million for Tribal transportation facilities.
Nationwide, the Bridge Formula Program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 bridges. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes an incentive for states to direct the new Bridge Formula Program funds to off-system bridges owned by a county, city, town or other local agency, Kilmer’s office said.
While states normally must match federal funding with up to 20% state or local funding, the guidance issued Friday notes that federal funds can be used for 100% of the cost of repairing or rehabilitating such locally owned off-system bridges.
Washington state can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges; $15 billion of national funding is dedicated to megaprojects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities, Kilmer said in the news release.
By: Bob Smith
Source: Kitsap Daily News