Oberstar has turned to a smaller Plan B, a bill to authorize an added $2 billion over two years for deficient bridges and set tougher standards for bridge inspections. The bill is starting to move: Oberstar’s panel approved it on Oct. 31. He expects floor action in early December.
Brian Deery, senior director of the Associated General Contractors’ highway and transportation division, is pleased to see the bill advancing. “Clearly bridge, and highway needs in general, are huge and any effort to address those needs is good news,” he says. When industry compares the bill to Oberstar’s original idea, its funding is disappointing.