Harder Highlights Largest Federal Bridge Investment in a Generation; California to Receive $4.2 Billion Over Five Years
California drivers currently pay almost $800 per year in repairs due to poor conditions of state roads and bridges
WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder highlighted the Department of Transportation's announcement that the Federal Highway Administration will create the largest bridge formula program since the construction of the interstate highway system, made possible by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. California will receive $4.2 billion in new federal funds to rehabilitate or replace bridges and roads statewide over the next five years. In California there are 1,536 bridges in poor conditions. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 14.6% statewide, and on average, each driver pays $799 per year in costs due to driving on roads and bridges in need of repair.
"Right now, drivers in our state pay almost $800 a year in car repairs because our roads and bridges are in total disrepair. Families in the Valley can't afford that," said Rep. Harder. "I'm determined to bring home these new federal investments so we can get our roads and bridges fixed, create good paying jobs right here in our community, and make sure the only thing we need from the mechanic is our yearly oil change."
"The Biden-Harris Administration is thrilled to launch this program to fix thousands of bridges across the country – the largest investment of its kind in U.S. history," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Modernizing America's bridges will help improve safety, support economic growth and make people's lives better in every part of the country – in rural, suburban, city, and tribal communities."
Nationwide, the Bridge Formula Program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 bridges. In addition to providing funds to states to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct highway bridges, the Bridge Formula Program has dedicated funding for Tribal transportation facility bridges as well as "off-system" bridges, locally owned facilities which are those not on the federal-aid highway system.
For more information on Department of Transpiration investments heading to California, click here.
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