Assemblymember Ward Introduces Legislation to Repair and Maintain Local California Bridges

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – More than half of California’s bridges are damaged and in need of repair. Today, Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) has introduced AB 2120 to ensure local governments receive enough funding to prevent further deterioration and replace bridges that are in poor condition.

“This bill will ensure that federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is fairly allocated to cities and counties across California so they can invest in maintaining their infrastructure,” said Assemblymember Ward (D-San Diego). “AB 2120 will close the gap between state and local bridge funding to address this serious disparity.”

According to data from the California State Association of Counties, more than 4,300 bridges maintained by cities and counties are in need of serious repairs. Despite many of these bridges being designed with a life expectancy of 75 to 100 years, nearly one-fifth of local bridges in California are at least 80 years old. AB 2120 would also require Caltrans to maintain its current commitment of funding from the National Highway Performance Program to local bridges on federal-aid highways.

“Local governments own nearly half of the bridges in California,” said Graham Knaus, Executive Director of the California State Association of Counties. “These bridges connect residents to their jobs, schools, clinics and families, and this vital infrastructure must be prioritized when allocating federal funding from the recent bipartisan infrastructure law. Without the ongoing, additional funding allocated through Assemblymember Ward’s bill, 80% of needed local bridge repair and replacement is in peril, jeopardizing public safety."