Van Orden, Hinson Call for Federal Funds Following Structural Failure of Lansing Bridge

CRAWFORD, W.I. – Yesterday, Representatives Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) sent a letter to Federal Highway Administration Administrator Shailen Bhatt emphasizing Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ (IA-R) request for federal emergency relief funding for the repair of the Lansing Bridge in Lansing, Iowa. This request comes after the bridge, which connects Iowa Highway 9 and Wisconsin Highway 35, was closed due to a sudden structural failure that deemed it unsafe for traffic use. The bridge serves as a key route between Allamakee and Clayton Counties in Iowa and Crawford and Vernon Counties in Wisconsin.

“The Lansing Bridge is used daily by many folks in Wisconsin’s Third District whether it be for getting to work, school, or visiting friends and family,” said Congressman Van Orden. “Its closure is necessary to ensure the safety of drivers but poses significant delays for commuters. It is vital that repairs are made as swiftly as possible. I thank Rep. Hinson for joining me in this effort to secure critical emergency relief funding to cover the repair costs of the bridge and reopen this important route between our two districts.”

“The structural failure of the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing has caused a massive disruption for Iowans who regularly commute to Wisconsin and businesses that rely upon interstate visitors,” said Congresswoman Hinson. “The federal government must quickly approve Governor Reynolds’ request for a disaster proclamation to make emergency relief funding immediately available to help cover the costs of repairs and ensure both Iowans and Wisconsinites can safely commute across this bridge. I will continue to stay in communication with state officials and work with Congressman Van Orden to ensure necessary funds are available as soon as possible.”

To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

March 4, 2024

Shailen Bhatt

Administrator

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Mr. Bhatt,

We are writing to express our strong support for Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ disaster proclamation in response to a sudden structural failure of the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing on February 25, 2024. The bridge is located in Lansing, Iowa on Iowa Highway 9 and connects to Wisconsin Highway 35 across the Mississippi River.

The governor's proclamation is directed to restore essential traffic and to activate the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Repair (ER) Program, as set forth in 23 U.S.C. §125(d)(1)(B), which authorizes emergency relief funding to cover the costs of repair or reconstruction of federal-aid routes that have suffered severe damage as a result of sudden structural failure. Initial surveys by the Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation officials have indicated that the bridge has sustained severe damage as a result of an external cause.

This bridge provides a vital interstate connection between Allamakee and Clayton Counties in Iowa and Crawford and Vernon Counties in Wisconsin. With an estimated closure of two months to complete the necessary stabilizing repairs, it is critical that “quick release” funds become available immediately to offset the costs of this critical repair work.

We urge you to make available all necessary funds as soon as possible. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,