SENATE APPROVES MORE THAN $1 BILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
Roads, Bridges, Water/Sewer supported in BRIDGE Act
JACKSON – The Mississippi Senate today voted to spend more than $1 billion on a wide range of infrastructure projects to support long-term growth of the economy, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said. The bill passed in a 36-14 vote.
The BRIDGE Act, which does not raise taxes, relies on existing dollars, revenue growth and bonds to invest in city, county and state projects over five years. 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, which is Senate Bill 3046, heads to the House for consideration. Finance Chairman Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, and Transportation Chairman Sen. Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, authored the proposal to meet critical needs.
“With the BRIDGE Act, the Senate has put forward a comprehensive plan to address critical road and bridge needs in our communities while taking advantage of any federal assistance that may be available under President Trump’s plan,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “The state can repair its infrastructure without raising taxes and by prioritizing spending on actual needs not administrative costs.”
BRIDGE includes funding for the local system bridge program, railroad improvements, repairing water and sewer systems, and dam maintenance. The Act also provides funds for economically distressed areas, including the Delta, to spur economic growth. High-growth areas also will be able to access funds to alleviate traffic congestion.
The legislation also gives Mississippi the ability to access federal funds under President Trump’s transportation plan.