Politics

Spending More Federal Money On Crumbling Bridges

(WCCO) In less than two weeks, Minnesotans will reflect on the one year anniversary of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse. This week bridge spending will be at the center of a congressional debate in Washington, D.C.

A new report shows Minnesota spent barely half of the available government money on bridge repairs. It's the second lowest rate in the country. But new legislation from a Minnesota congressman could change that.

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar spent his Sunday afternoon in Hastings studying the Highway 61 bridge. He chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and on Wednesday he is expected to introduce a bill that would crack down on how states use federal bridge funding.

"We want to make sure that states are using their bridge account funds bridges first," said Oberstar.

The Highway Bridge Program gives millions of federal dollars to every state for bridge repairs. It's up to that state's discretion how the money is actually used.

In the last five years, Minnesota spent 51 percent of its available money on bridges. Arizona spent the least amount, and the average spent by other states was 89 percent.

"That means they're taking $15 to $17 million a year out of their bridge account and shifting it to other purposes," said Oberstar.

Minnesota transportation officials say that's not the whole story. Before those federal dollars can be used, a bridge must be deemed structurally deficient and get a rating of 50 or lower on a scale of 100.

In the case of the Interstate 35W bridge, in 2006 the bridge got a 50 which put it right on the edge. MnDOT said they want to be able to use that money before a bridge gets that bad.

In that five year period, MnDOT said it spent $400 million on bridge repair, and when it comes to bridge conditions they say the state is ranked among the best in the nation.

 

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