The following is a statement by Maria Lehman, President-Elect, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and Co-Author, Bridges Chapter in the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, and Director of U.S. Infrastructure, GHD:
ASCE applauds today’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation concerning the implementation of the Bridge Formula Program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Investing in bridges keeps America’s economy moving. By repairing and modernizing these structures, we can prevent posted load restrictions from slowing down trucks and hindering shipping operations, and fewer traffic delays means greater efficiency for businesses. While this funding will not fully close our estimated $125 billion backlog of bridge repair needs nationwide, it is a significant down payment on the nation’s future.
The following is a statement by Andy Herrmann, Past-President, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and Co-Author, Bridges Chapter in the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, and Partner Emeritus, Hardesty & Hanover:
For years, many localities and states have lacked a strong federal partner in bridge maintenance, and the results are increasingly apparent. These investments can’t come a minute too soon, and ASCE applauds the expeditious distribution of these funds. For twenty years, ASCE has documented deteriorating infrastructure conditions in our Infrastructure Report Card and it’s heartening to see the attention being paid to modernizing our nation’s bridges.
The following is a statement by Clarence E. Anthony, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director:
Bridges can be expensive infrastructure assets for municipalities to replace on their own. We are thrilled that Congress put a spotlight on bridges in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, by setting aside 15% of these new bridge funds for bridges off the highway system to help cities and states be able to fix the important connection infrastructure for residents. We are grateful that Congress and the President stepped up to make the bipartisan infrastructure deal happen to rebuild the infrastructure that keeps Americans moving.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is the nation’s oldest engineering society, representing 150,000 civil engineers who serve as stewards of infrastructure in the U.S. and around the globe. ASCE serves as a leading advocate for infrastructure and every 4 years issues its Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. Stay connected with ASCE Government Relations on Facebook and Twitter.
The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.