In the aftermath of the Interstate 35-W bridge collapse in Minneapolis in August, the Senate has voted to boost federal funds to upgrade bridges nationwide by $1 billion, or about 20%, in fiscal year 2008.
The measure, an amendment to a fiscal 2008 spending bill for the Dept. of Transportation, would add $1 billion to the Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, making the new level about $6.3 billion. The amendment, offered by Senate transportation appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D–Wash.), was approved on Sept. 10 by a vote of 60–33.