WASHINGTON, DC - The US Senate today approved Senator Herb Kohl's request to direct $974,000 to expand the Henry Avenue Bridge in Beloit, a project linking people with jobs, education, and other opportunities. This was included as part of the FY10 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Senator Kohl, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, identified this project as a priority for funding.     

"Building up infrastructure is essential to the growth of communities. The expansion of the Henry Avenue Bridge will increase access for local communities to educational and job opportunities," Kohl said.  

The federal funding will be used to reconstruct the superstructure and widen the Henry Avenue Bridge. The new design increases the bridge to four lanes and adds a separate, 10' wide bike and pedestrian facility with a safety barrier on the south side of the bridge. Ultimately this will serve as the primary transportation link between Beloit Memorial High School and the new city library. 

The funding measure was passed by the Senate, and now goes to the President for final approval.   

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