(Demo) Road and Bridges May 2010 : Page 38
Local governments that identify the need for replacement early, search for creative sources of funding as soon as a need is identified and enlist the support of a knowledgeable consultant to navigate the funding and delivery process can obtain the funding they need. these governments learn from Dauphin County’s example? Start early Local governments’ fi rst source of funding for bridge replacements in Penn- sylvania is Liquid Fuels revenue from gas taxes, but this money is often consumed by a municipality’s basic roadway main- tenance, snow removal and paving needs. As a result, funding from outside sources is usually needed. Most often, this means seeking state and federal transportation funds through the local metropolitan planning organization (MPO). Projects can either be programmed on the state level or earmarked directly in the federal legislation, but it can take years—sometimes more than a decade— to get a project successfully programmed by the MPO. Therefore, local govern- ments must have a plan that identifi es years in advance when a bridge will require replacement and its anticipated funding requirements. Then they must begin working the appropriate channels as early as possible to pursue all avail- able funding sources. The Rte. 743 Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Dauphin County is a great example of the long-term plan- ning it can take to secure the necessary funding for a bridge replacement. This “orphan” bridge was originally built by the now-defunct Reading and Lebanon Railroad Co., but termination of the 38 May 2010 • ROADS&BRIDGES railroad company also terminated the bridge’s ownership. Though technically the bridge had no owner, local offi cials recognized its importance and commit- ted themselves to its care. In addition to the 12,000 vehicles per day that use the aging, structurally defi cient bridge, it carries truckloads of the famous Her- shey chocolate bars from the Hershey factory across the railroad to America’s eager hands. Seeing that the bridge was in need of replacement, a group of stakehold- ers (including local, county, state and federal offi cials; PennDOT; local busi- ness leaders; engineers; and fi nancial consultants) stepped forward to pursue funding for the project. After more than 10 years of hard work, the group has assembled a funding package from multiple sources for this $10 million project that will be under construction later this year. Look under every stone Depending on a project’s location, its role in economic activity and other factors, many sources of funding are available beyond Liquid Fuels revenue. These include but are not limited to, the following: • Federal critical bridge funds awarded through an MPO’s planning process; • State critical bridge funds awarded through an MPO’s planning process; • Transportation Equity Act “earmarks”; • State grant programs; and • Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Know the process and show you can do the job No matter whom you seek funding from, the organization or government agency is going to want to see a well- thought-out plan for the project and proof that you can get it through all of the necessary phases (engineering, per- mitting and construction). No organiza- tion wants to see its money tied up in a project that goes nowhere, so you have to be able to show them you have the wherewithal to get the project delivered. This is where the assistance of a knowledgeable engineer can be crucial. While some local governments like Dauphin County have a lot of experi- ence navigating the bridge replacement funding and delivery process, many local governments may be entering uncharted territory. An engineer experienced in both the technical requirements and the funding processes can help them understand exactly what they need to do to apply for funding and what their application must show. The engineer also can help them with the advance planning needed to shepherd the project through its phases, outlining the permit- ting and approvals that will be required and the timelines associated with such
Publication List
