N.Y. To Receive More than $375 Million to Fix 1,700 Bridges In Need Of Repair

WASHINGTON, DC – New York State is slated to receive $378.4 million this year to repair hundreds of bridges across the state in need of repair, Congressman Paul Tonko (D) announced this week. The funding, which the Congressman deemed as “critical” was delivered under the Tonko-backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will fix 1,700 bridges in poor condition across the state. 

The more than $378 million delivered to New York in 2022 is the first investment in the 5 Year Bridge Formula Program Funding that will deliver a total of $1.9 billion to NY by 2026.

“Our crumbling bridge infrastructure costs drivers hundreds in repairs each year and poses an immediate public safety threat for Americans travelling these roads every day,” Tonko said, in a prepared statement.

Currently, there are currently 1,702 bridges in New York State in poor condition, according to the Department of Transportation.  Since 2011, commute times have increased by 7.4% in New York, and the average driver now pays $625 per year in extra costs related to driving on roads and bridges in need of repair. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed into law last November, aims to repair and rebuild roads and bridges nationwide, with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users. 

The historic bridge repair funding is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  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. 

Tonko represents the 20th Congressional District which includes a portion of Saratoga County and points south. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R), who represents the 21st Congressional District – which includes a portion of Saratoga County and points north, voted against the measure. 

Nationwide, the Bridge Formula Program is expected to help repair approximately 15,000 highway bridges. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 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 generally must match federal funding with up to 20 percent state or local funding, guidance issued this week notes that federal funds can be used for 100 percent of the cost of repairing or rehabilitating such locally owned off-system bridges, according to the DOT.