State House committee to hear Hudgins’ bridge funding bill

Hudgins leads effort to replace South Park Bridge, save vital economic link

January 30, 2008

OLYMPIA – Recognizing funding problems that have existed for years, State Representative Hudgins has sponsored a bill this legislative session that could finally break the logjam over replacing the South Park Bridge.

The House Transportation committee will hear Hudgins’ proposal, House Bill 2969, this Thursday, January 31 at 3:30pm. 

"The bill sets up a savings account to make the worst bridges safe in our state,” said Hudgins. “If bridge owners won't set money aside to fix their most worn-out bridges, the state is going to help them save.

“We must protect the jobs in the largest industrial area in the state by pushing bridge owners to save for their bridges.” 

The total cost to replace the bridge is expected to be close to $160 million. Currently, only $21.9 million has been secured for the project, a shortfall of $138 million.