LICA Joins Rep. Lee Zeldin to Promote Support for Safe Bridges Act
On Monday October 13, LICA Executive Director Marc Herbst and LICA Board Member Joe K. Posillico joined Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Hon. Dan Losquadro, as well as other industry leaders and union partners, to help promote support for Congressman Lee Zeldin’s Safe Bridges Act (H.R. 3168) which he recently introduced. This bill seeks to reverse the changes made to MAP-21 back in 2012, which essentially eliminated federal funding for many of Long Island’s county and state owned bridges (a total of 82 bridges in Zeldin’s District #1 alone).
Joe K. Posillico, President/CEO of LICA member Posillico, Inc. stated that “We need a sustainable source of federal funding for highway & bridge infrastructure repairs…” noting that “Investment in our infrastructure is not only necessary for safety, but for our economy, since these projects employ materials, suppliers and workers from Long Island and the surrounding area.” He added “For the first time in my firm’s 70 year history, we currently have no major highway or bridge projects under construction.” Herbst said “This bill could return to Long Island what we rightfully expect from the federal government… funding to ensure all the bridges on Long Island are safe and well maintained. This would of course, be a win-win for Long Islanders in terms of improved safety at no extra expense, plus keep our people working.” That’s because the Safe Bridges Act would not cost taxpayers any additional money. It simply seeks to change the formula of how federal funds (which are already designated) are distributed, giving back the Long Island the money it once used to count on to keep all our bridges safe and in good repair. Rep. Zeldin has bi-partisan support and is looking for additional co-sponsors to help his efforts in getting this important legislation passed. Watch the press conference from News 12 here or read the official press release and review the proposed legislation.
