Citing failing bridges and roads in Maine, Pingree votes for bill to renew nation's transportation policies

Statement

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted today for a six-year reauthorization of the nation's transportation policy. The bill authorizes programs that provide for construction and repair of roads, bridges and public transportation projects.

"We just learned last week that 15% of the bridges in Maine are in need of significant repair, and we could use a little more help from the federal government in making the necessary repairs," Pingree said. "But you don't need a report to tell you that roads and bridges in Maine need work--all you have to do is drive down the road. This bill doesn't go as far as I'd like it to, but it does allow for some long-term planning for transportation projects, which we haven't had for some time now."

A recent report found 15% of bridges in Maine are structurally deficient.

"Tens of thousands of people drive over bridges every day that are in need of work. If you go through Stroudwater in Portland, Route 1 in Freeport, Route 9 in Kennebunk or Main Street in Yarmouth, you're probably driving over a bridge that has some significant issues. We need more federal investment address these issues," Pingree said.

Source