Since 1978, federal law has required that each state spend 15 percent of its federal bridge funding on bridges which are not on the federal-aid system, referred to as "off-system bridges". The funds go to rehabilitate and replace deficient bridges. The requirement was put into place because almost 50% of the nations bridges are not on the federal aid system, many of which are owned by local governments.
As Congress beings debate on the 2012 budget, that requirement is in jeopardy as the budget proposed by Republican leaders in Congress would throw those funds into the larger pot of transportation dollars. The League is working with the County Road Association of Michigan (see their press release below) and our partners at the federal level such as the National League of Cities to oppose this latest "shift and shaft" maneuver.
Urge your congressional representative to oppose this change. Michigan already has far too many deficient bridges and this loss of funding would only worsen the situation.
Offsys_Bridge_Release.pdf (34.25 kb)
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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