On the recordMarch 8, 2012
I thank the clerk for reporting. Mr. President, this amendment deals with the whole issue of off- system bridges. These are bridges that are not part of the State system, are not part of the Federal system, but normally are run by county governments. In our State, as in most States near or east of the Mississippi River, we have lots of counties. We have 115. They have large numbers of bridges, and for a number of years now they have benefited from 15 percent of the bridge funds that go to States. I think most of us, if we meet with county commissioners or those responsible for county government about their highway concerns, this would be an issue we have all heard about. The Senator from Pennsylvania Mr. Casey and I have introduced this amendment. It doesn't change current law. In fact, it just goes forward with current law in this bill. This bill would eliminate the requirement of States to give 15 percent to counties if counties have a use for it, and I think that would be a mistake. So I join Senator Casey and others in hoping we are able to approve this amendment next week. Mr. President, I also would like to speak on another amendment, an amendment that we apparently will not vote on; that is, amendment No. 1743. This is not at the desk, I don't think, at this moment, and it doesn't need to be read if it is. But I hope this is an issue that, as this Transportation bill progresses, we can continue to look at.…
