What's Happening in Blue Ash, OH…

Two of Cincinnati's bridges could soon receive the repairs they need, thanks to the introduction of new legislation.

The Environment and Public Works Committee of the U.S. Senate recently passed legislation for the repair or replacement of older bridges throughout the country. One part of the overall plan is known as the Bridge Investment Act, which was developed by Ohio's two Senators, Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman, who worked in a bipartisan fashion to create the legislation. The bill will earmark funds to replace bridges like the Western Hills Viaduct and Brent Spence Bridge in Cincinnati. This is important, since the Spence Bridge has been identified as one of five top “infrastructure emergencies.”

The Bridge Investment Act will be part of the highway bill, which is a piece of major legislation. This pleases Senator Portman, since it will bring the replacement of the bridge that much closer. Senator Brown agrees, noting that Congress can act immediately to provide the resources needed to begin work on the Brent Spence Bridge project. As major construction projects like this proceed, flyer printing can be used to keep residents updated, and help drivers find alternate routes.

Lawmakers say $3 billion is included in the bill specifically to pay for repairs to bridges throughout the nation over the period of the next five years. The full senate has to approve the bill before repairs can proceed.