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Bridge investments will help Rebuild PA

 

Even before the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota one year ago, House Democrats were working with Governor Rendell to improve Pennsylvania's aging and strained infrastructure.

The Rebuild Pennsylvania infrastructure initiative included in this year's budget package is among the fruits of those efforts. House Bill 2522 (Act 54 of 2008) provides $350 million in new state funding to allow PennDOT to start repairs on more than 400 bridges this year.

Pennsylvania has 25,000 state-owned bridges and nearly 6,000 of them are considered structurally deficient. Because of our rich industrial past and present, the Commonwealth leads the nation in deficient bridges, which, while safe now, are in need of maintenance to avoid being closed or posted with weight restrictions.

Last year, through Act 44, House Democrats laid the foundation of our commitment to make fundamental improvements to the state's roads and bridges and mass transit systems of all sizes. It was the largest effort in decades to invest in transportation in order to keep our economy moving and our citizens safe.

We're aware we have a long road ahead of us. With an $11 billion price tag to pay for the repairs, we are prepared to continue the fight.

 

   

To read Gov. Ed Rendell's weekly newsletter, click this link:
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