Despite concerns over President Donald Trump administration funding cuts, work has already begun on rebuilding the 90-year-old Keim Street Bridge in Pottstown, writes Katie Bernard for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Fifteen years after the bridge was closed, Montgomery County officials broke ground on the $20 million project.
“We are preparing this region for the next century,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder.
The design costs for the project were covered by 80 percent from federal funds and 20 percent from local sources. Meanwhile, construction costs will be fully covered through a federal program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that was signed by former President Joe Biden.
Under the program, local governments cover the initial construction costs, which are then reimbursed by the federal government. While the program has not been frozen so far, its future remains uncertain due to the current administration’s drastic cuts to federal spending. These can impact already approved programs.
“We’ve been waiting a long time,” said Neil Makhija, the chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “We don’t want to wait even longer so we hope this funding is secure and will continue until the project is complete.”
Read more about the construction in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
