The bill would require owners of certain bridges over navigable water, built before 1996, to assess their risk of vessel collisions using a specified method. Owners whose bridges exceed the risk threshold would have one year to develop and carry out a risk reduction plan. Starting October 1, 2026, owners who do not meet this requirement could lose eligibility for federal grants related to the bridge, unless granted an extension.
The bill would also create a Department of Transportation bridge safety team and a competitive grant program for bridge assessments and physical improvements. Assessment results would be added to the National Bridge Inventory within one year, with sensitive security information allowed to be withheld.
Bridge owners receiving federal funds would need to complete the required assessments and, when needed, risk reduction plans. The bill does not describe direct requirements for individuals.
The bill authorizes $500 million for the grant program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It does not state that this funding has been appropriated.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.