Sutton Speaks on Key Amendment to Highway Legislation

July 23, 2008

Floor Statement from Congresswoman Sutton in support of Corrosion Mitigation and Prevention Plan Amendment

We share a common vision for a solution to prevent future disasters by addressing a critical need at the onset of a bridge project.

I strongly support this bipartisan amendment which will express a Sense of Congress that those requesting federal funds for bridge projects present corrosion mitigation and prevention plans.

Corrosion mitigation and prevention is essential to extend the life of our nation's critical infrastructure and save taxpayers' money.

In 2002, the Federal Highway Administration reported the cost of corrosion to our highway bridges at $8.3 billion each year.

As we unfortunately learned when the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis collapsed last August, investing in our nation's infrastructure is no longer a theoretical argument.

By utilizing experts trained in corrosion prevention, we will be reducing future maintenance costs and increasing public safety at the same time.

The University of Akron, in my district, understands this critical need and is creating the first comprehensive Corrosion Engineering and Science program in the U.S.

Their corrosion engineering program will train and prepare experts in this field, creating high-earning engineering jobs by addressing a critical issue.