Nick Rahall: “S. 1789 as passed by the Senate on February 7, provides for relatively minor adjustments to the Highway Bridge…”

“S. 1789 as passed by the Senate on February 7, provides for relatively minor adjustments to the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. This adjustment would enable a State to use its HBRRP funds for the seismic retrofit of a bridge, regardless of whether or not the bridge is structurally deficient or structurally obsolete. In effect, under this legislation, a State at its discretion may practice preventive medicine to those bridges which are located in earthquake prone areas. Mr. Speaker, it should also be noted that this legislation does not change the program's apportionment formula. As such, the current level of HBRRP funds each State receives shall remain unchanged. I assure the gentleman that the legislation is budget neutral and is supported by the administration.”