WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced $225 million in funding for bridge repairs in Maine, made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) announced Maine will receive a total of $45 million from the larger federal funding to maintain and reconstruct bridges across the state in fiscal year 2022.

Nationwide, the Bridge Formula Program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 bridges. In addition to providing funds to states to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct highway bridges, the Bridge Formula Program has dedicated funding for Tribal transportation facility bridges as well as “off-system” bridges, locally owned facilities which are those not on the federal-aid highway system. 

Representing the largest bridge formula program in American history, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is dedicating $26.5 billion to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico over five years and $825 million for Tribal transportation facilities. The total amount that will be available to states, D.C. and Puerto Rico in Fiscal Year 2022 is $5.3 billion along with $165 million for tribes.

The IIJA includes an incentive for states to direct the new Bridge Formula Program funds to off-system bridges owned by a county, city, town or other local agency.

While states normally must match federal funding with up to 20 percent state or local funding, the guidance issued today notes that federal funds can be used for 100 percent of the cost of repairing or rehabilitating such locally owned off-system bridges.

The IIJA is a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, which will grow the economy, enhance U.S. competitiveness in the world, create good jobs, and make our transportation system more sustainable and equitable. Specific to the FHWA, the IIJA provides more than $350 billion over five fiscal years for surface transportation programs. 

“When bridges do not receive the proper maintenance and require closure, Mainers can be forced to endure lengthy detours, particularly in rural areas,” said Sen. Collins, while noting the funding will help address Maine’s backlog of deteriorated bridges. 

Rep. Pingree noted there are 315 bridges statewide in poor condition. 

“These funds will also help modernize our infrastructure to better withstand the extreme conditions caused by climate change, which we’re woefully unprepared for,” she said.