The amendment to the highway bill now under consideration by the Senate would provide $25 million each year for six years for federal grants. Grassley said the proposal introduced by Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont would help state governments fully restore covered bridges to ensure the safety of travelers without compromising the bridges' historical integrity.
Specifically, the legislation would: 1) require the Secretary of Transportation to maintain a list of historic covered bridges, develop education and history programs, and research the most appropriate techniques for protecting covered bridges; and, 2) provide federal funds to states to rehabilitate or repair historic covered bridges, preserve covered bridges by installing fire protection systems, and prevent vandalism and arson.
Grassley said that 11 of Iowa's 12 covered bridges would be eligible to compete for public funding under the grant program established by this amendment. The estimated total cost of repairs for these Iowa bridges is $3 million. To qualify as a historic covered bridge, the bridge must be roofed, constructed primarily of wood and at least 50 years old.
"With federal, state and local government and committed preservationists working together, we can curb the decay of covered bridges and protect them for generations to come," Grassley said.
The Senate gave unanimous approval today for the Jeffords amendment. The highway bill must be passed by Congress and signed by the President before May 1, or a temporary funding measure must be put in place until work on a six-year plan is completed.