Federal Funds Coming to Fix Damaged Bridge

Federal funds are on the way to help repair the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge near Aurora.

Kentucky First District Congressman Ed Whitfield announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award a $9 million grant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the bridge repair project.

“This announcement is important news for people in the First District of Kentucky,” Whitfield said. “The Eggner’s Ferry Bridge is a vitally important roadway in the region, and this will help to restore this bridge in a timely manner and relieve the inconveniences caused by the February accident.”

This grant is authorized under the Emergency Relief program within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highways Administration. Repair work to the bridge that is eligible to be performed with this grant includes: emergency repairs needed to restore essential traffic, minimize the extent of damage or protect the remaining facilities, and permanent repairs necessary to restore the highway to the condition before the incident.

The bridge was damaged on Jan. 26 when the cargo vessel Delta Mariner crashed into the bridge tearing off a 320-foot section onto the ship.

Information provided by Congressman Ed Whitfield's office.