Senator Clinton Welcomes Senate Passage of Legislation to Provide $100 Million in Federal Funding for New York's Bridges

12 Percent of New York's Bridges Classified as Structurally Deficient, 26 Percent Classified as Functionally Obsolete

September 12, 2007, Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed Senate approval today of legislation that will add an additional $1 billion in federal funding to aid in the repair and maintenance of America’s bridges, including an additional $100 million that will be authorized for New York State’s aging bridges. The funding was included in an amendment to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation program within the Senate FY 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill which was approved by the Senate earlier this morning. The amendment which was sponsored by Senator Patty Murray and cosponsored by Senator Clinton requires that the additional funds be used for states' most critical bridge activities.

“This amendment is a critical piece of legislation that will allow our states to attend to the needs of our aging infrastructure. The collapse of the Minnesota bridge is a tragic reminder of the terrible consequences that can occur when these needs are not met, which is why I have worked with my colleagues in the Senate to put our full attention towards addressing this issue,” said Senator Clinton. “The additional $100 million in federal funding that this amendment will provide to New York is a well placed investment in strengthening our bridges and infrastructure, and will put our State on the path to meeting this pressing need.”

Under the guidelines of the amendment, funding will be distributed to each state according to the formula authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for bridge programs. This means that New York State, which ranked third in the country having the most average daily traffic over structurally deficient bridges, will receive roughly $100 million in additional federal funding. New York State has more than 17,000 highway bridges, with 12 percent classified as structurally deficient, and 26 percent classified as functionally obsolete.

In the wake of the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote to Mary E. Peters, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, calling for the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission to redouble their efforts in compiling a comprehensive analysis of our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

Senator Clinton also cosponsored the National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007. This bipartisan legislation that has passed the Senate, addresses the deteriorating condition of our nation's roads, bridges, drinking water systems, dams and other public works. The bill will establish a National Commission on Infrastructure of the United States, charged with aiding in the nation's economic growth and ensuring the nation's infrastructure meets current and future demands.

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Source: Sen. Clinton's Office