BRIDGE Act provides funding for city, county, state projects
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Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves today announced a more than $1 billion plan to repair roads and bridges across the state, as well as meet other infrastructure needs, without raising taxes.
The BRIDGE Act will provide a mixture of grants, loans and revenue to cities, counties and state agencies for infrastructure projects over a five-year period. BRIDGE stands for “Building Roads. Improving Development. Growing the Economy.” The Senate plan utilizes many concepts developed and supported by local mayors, supervisors, senators and bills passed by the House of Representatives.
“The BRIDGE Act addresses the needs of our state without raising anybody’s taxes,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “Building and maintaining infrastructure is a core function of government. We’ve developed a responsible plan that balances the needs of our local governments and the marketplace.”
The bill, SB 3046, was introduced and referred to the Finance committee on Monday.
Finance Chairman Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, and Transportation Chairman Sen. Willie Simmons, D- Cleveland, helped shape the comprehensive proposal to meet critical needs.
“A strong economy requires an investment in all types of infrastructure,” Sen. Fillingane said. “The BRIDGE Act can help our communities complete projects that keep products moving across our state and nation. That is good for Mississippi businesses.”
The Act also provides funds for economically distressed areas, including the Delta, to spur economic growth.
“We recognize the needs in Mississippi go beyond roads and bridges,” Sen. Simmons said. “The BRIDGE Act will help our cities and our rural areas fix their critical needs whether that means reopening a closed bridge or repairing broken water and sewer lines. This is a positive plan that doesn’t ignore the needs of our rural areas, like the Mississippi Delta.”
BRIDGE includes funding for the local system bridge program, railroad improvements, repairing water and sewer systems, and dam maintenance.
Sarah Ulmer
