Ohio to receive $483M for bridge repair

Ohio is set to receive $483.3 million for bridge replacement and maintenance. A press release from the United States Department of Transportation said the money is coming from the Bridge Formula Program, a sub-section of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program, to be administered by the Federal Highway Administration, is providing $26.5 billion to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico over five years, with $5.3 billion to be available in the 2022 fiscal year. The program also includes $825 million for tribal transportation facilities, with $165 million to be made available in the 2022 fiscal year. The bridge program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 bridges nationwide. "This record amount of funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow states and tribal governments to fix the bridges most in need of repair," Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said in the release. "It will also modernize bridges to withstand the effects of climate change and to make them safer for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians." "Every state has bridges in poor condition and in need of repair, including bridges with weight restrictions that may force lengthy detours for travelers, school buses, first responders or trucks carrying freight," Pollack added. The $483.3 million Ohio will receive will help improve the condition of about 1,377 bridges in poor condition and to preserve and improve about 9,320 bridges in fair condition in the state. Ohio is 12th in number of bridges in poor condition. Michigan is 15th with 1,219. According to a U.S. D.O.T. funding map, Ohio will have access to $96.7 million in the 2022 fiscal year. The Hancock County Engineers Office currently does not have data on incoming funds, the office said Friday. Bean: 419-427-8420