Proponents of the $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure spending package have called highway and bridge repair a “once in a generation investment.” But it appears that 10 states will receive more than half the $27 billion allocated for bridge repair.
Although local or state governments typically invest up to 20 percent of bridge repair and renovations, the federal government indicates such requirements will be waived. That means the $27 billion will be a tremendous windfall for municipalities receiving money.
“Modernizing America’s bridges will help improve safety, support economic growth and make people’s lives better in every part of the country — across rural, suburban, urban, and tribal communities,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reportedly said. “The bridge formula program that we’re launching today is the largest dedicated highway bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system itself,”
The Biden Administration anticipates awarding a modest $5.4 billion to get the program off the ground in the current fiscal year. The balance is expected to be doled out over five years. An estimated 15,000 highway bridges would receive some level of funding out of an estimated 45,000 that are reportedly considered in poor condition, according to the National Bridge Inventory. Of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, California secured the most taxpayer money at slightly more than $4.2 billion to address a reported 1,500 structures. The Golden State will reportedly receive $849.4 million this fiscal year. These are the 10 states that will receive more than half of the funds.
- California: $4,246,868,525
- New York: $1,892,071,670
- Pennsylvania: $1,635,892,965
- Illinois: $1,374,037,635
- New Jersey: $1,147,100,410
- Massachusetts: $1,126,280,955
- Louisiana: $1,013,282,645
- Washington: $605,063,355
- Michigan: $563,136,760
- Connecticut: $561,405,995
These 10 states benefit from an estimated $14,165,140,915, more than half of the revenue taxpayers across the country will pay back with interest. Surprising falling out of the top 10 states was Florida and Texas.
The Sunshine State is expected to receive $245 million to address 12,595 bridges across the state. That figure is less than one-third the threshold California will receive this fiscal year alone. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, 279 bridges were constructed during the 1930s and the majority are between 50-60 years old. Ranking second to California in terms of tourism and third in population, the infrastructure funds will likely fix 408 bridges in poor condition and update another 4,000.
Texas possesses the most bridges of any state or territory at a reported 54,682. The Lone Star State is expected to receive $537,124,445. Ohio reportedly has the second-most bridges in the country at 27,072. It will receive $483,345,095 in bridge repair funding.
The lowest recipients all receive $225,000,000. They include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Rhode Island, Delaware, and the District of Columbia are the only recipients with less than 1,000 bridges.
Sources: forbes.com, wsj.com, statista.com
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