Rep Engel Testifies Before Congress Calling for Repair of Structurally Deficient Bridges
Press Release
REP ENGEL TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS CALLING FOR REPAIR OF STRUCTURALLY DEFICIENT BRIDGES
Congressman Eliot Engel said Wednesday the country must immediately begin repairing the structurally deficient bridges across the US, including 11 in his district, and especially the Tappan Zee Bridge, to prevent future tragedies. Testifying before a Congressional committee, he noted that some of the bridges that cross the NYS Thruway in Rockland are rated deficient, and a collapse of any one of them could cause a significant loss of life and devastate the economy.
His entire testimony follows:
CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL, OF NEW YORK
To the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, on
Structurally Deficient Bridges in the National Highway System
September 5, 2007
Chairman James Oberstar, Ranking Member John Mica -
Before I begin my testimony, I would first like to thank you for holding this important hearing today. And I appreciate the opportunity to present my views on this issue.
Today, I wish to express my deep concern about the state of our bridges in the National Highway System. After watching the tragedy unfold in Minneapolis, the entire country now knows just how deficient we are in our bridge maintenance. Through this terrible tragedy, I am hopeful we can prevent future tragedies by addressing our maintenance backlog.
I am privileged to represent the Bronx, Rockland County and Westchester County. In my district alone, we have 11 structurally deficient bridges, 4 of which cross a highway (the NYS Thruway) that carries over 150,000 vehicles each day. A bridge collapse along this critical artery would cause a significant loss of life, devastate the region's economy, and cause a transportation nightmare by having a major commuter route disrupted.
While I applaud the Federal Highway Administration for inspecting bridges at least once every two years, more needs to be done. We must begin immediately the process of repairing and renovating the 74,000 structurally deficient bridges, including the 11 in my Congressional Districtespecially the Tappan Zee Bridge. Our constituents deserve safe bridges, and expect no less.
Mr. Chairman, I applaud your commitment to improving our nation's infrastructure. I know you join with me in acting swiftly to reassure our constituents that needed bridge repairs will be made.
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Mica, I appreciate once again the opportunity to present testimony on this important issue. I pledge my continuing commitment to work with you to ensure the tragedies of Minneapolis are not repeated.
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