H.R. 7442: National Bridge Funding Reform Act

The National Bridge Funding Reform Act aims to modify how federal funding is allocated for bridge projects across the United States. Here are the key elements of the bill:

Elimination of Existing Programs

• The bill proposes to eliminate two existing programs:
  • The **Carbon Reduction Program**, which is designed to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.
  • The **PROTECT Program**, which focuses on making transportation systems resilient and efficient.

Creation of a National Bridge Program

• The bill establishes a new **National Bridge Program** that provides federal funds for the following activities related to bridges on Federal-aid highways:
  • Replacement
  • Rehabilitation (repairing and restoring)
  • Preservation (maintaining the condition)
  • Protection (safeguarding against deterioration)
  • Construction of new bridges

Funding Distribution

• Funding will be apportioned primarily based on two factors:
  • 75% of the funding will be allocated based on the total deck area of bridges in each state compared to that of all states. This means states with larger bridge areas will receive more funding.
  • 25% will be allocated based on the area of bridges classified as in poor condition in each state compared to all states. This aims to prioritize states with more poorly maintained bridges.

Implementation and Administration

• The Secretary of Transportation is tasked with establishing and implementing this new national bridge program.
• The bill specifies that funds can also be used for bridges that are not on Federal-aid highways at the discretion of each state.

Inventory Assessment

• To determine how funds are distributed, the Secretary will use data from the **National Bridge Inventory** as of December 31, 2024. This inventory assesses the total deck area and conditions of bridges across the country.

Amendments to Current Law

Overall Purpose

• The overarching goal of the National Bridge Funding Reform Act is to enhance the safety and condition of the nation's bridge infrastructure by redirecting funding from carbon reduction and resilience programs to focused bridge improvement efforts.

Relevant Companies

• None found