Ft. Madison, IA — Iowa Congressman Dave Loebsack hopes that a critical federal investment for the Tri-states will bring jobs and boost the local economy.
Today, Loebsack was in Fort Madison to discuss the $4 million he recently secured to help replace the Sante Fe Swing Span Bridge.
It was designated a hazard by the U.S. Coast Guard because a change in the channel has caused too many barges to hit the swing span portion.
The money will go toward being able to raise that portion instead of swing it.
There is now a total of 5.2 million for 30 million dollar project.
Both Loebsack and Fort Madison Mayor Steve Ireland agree that this is only a small portion, but hope with this federal influx more money will be on the way.
They also hope to secure money towards repairs that would increase the bridge’s weight limit which in turn will also help the Fort Madison ecomony.
“That hurts of course when you got traffice being diverted to other towns there not going through the city that obviously the economic development aspect of it gets hurt here in Fort Madison. And once you start construction on a bridge that brings a lot of money into the area just that construction itself,” said Loebsack.
Just last fall an 8 ton weight limit was put on the the Sante Fe Swing Span Bridge.
Right now, semi’s have to travel to either Keokuk or Burlington to cross the river.
As of yet, no money has been secured for that project.
