Bill > S3701

This bill, known as the BRIDGE Act, establishes a competitive grant program to provide financial assistance for the upkeep, replacement, and repair of bridges used for commuter rail operations. A "commuter rail bridge" is defined as a bridge used by commuter rail services, and can also include bridges shared with intercity passenger trains, other public transit, or even roadways. The grants, referred to as "covered grants," will be administered by the Secretary of Transportation and are intended to cover capital costs associated with these bridges. To be eligible, applicants must have an agreement with the bridge owner if they don't own it themselves, ensuring continued access. The Secretary will solicit applications competitively and award grants based on factors such as the size of the commuter rail system, available funds from other programs, the bridge's age and condition, and whether its replacement is a priority in the applicant's transit asset management plan. The bill authorizes $1.5 billion annually for these grants from fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3701/all-info