Planned Bridge will Open Two-State Area to Economic Development

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA -- U.S. Congressmen Steve King (IA-05), Lee Terry (NE-02) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) today toured proposed locations for a new Missouri River bridge and discussed their commitment to improve transportation access for the region.

For over a decade, residents and officials have studied improvements to the connections across the Missouri River from U.S. 75 to I-29.

Currently, there is no existing roadway between U.S. 75 and I-29 that meets regional transportation needs and allows a free flow of traffic. A new four-lane bridge will be erected a few minutes south of the Bellevue bridge to meet current needs, accommodate planned growth in the Omaha metropolitan area and aid commercial access between the two states. The current two-lane Bellevue bridge will remain for pedestrian vehicle access across the river. In addition, the trio pledged their commitment to see the current replacement project for the dilapidated Plattsmouth bridge to completion.

"I'm grateful for the interest that my colleagues have shown in these transportation projects which are of great importance to the region," said Fortenberry.

The Congressmen toured proposed sites for the new bridge and discussed economic development opportunities the new bridge will bring to the area, which includes the southern Omaha metropolitan area, eastern Sarpy County and Bellevue in Nebraska and western Mills County in Iowa.

"I'm proud to have worked, and will keep working, with my colleagues for federal funding for this project, which is extremely important for the economic health and growth of our area. Commuters across this nation are sitting longer and longer in traffic snarls on their everyday drives, and billions of gallons of gas are wasted each year due to congestion," said Terry. "And no industry feels this more than the transportation industry, the backbone of our economy. The reauthorization of the Highway Bill is a key priority. Projects like the Missouri River bridges are critical to the health of our national economy."

King said the U.S. 34 proposed bridge site in Mills County, also known as the "Southern Sarpy County Alternative", which is preferred by residents and would include the expansion of Highway 34 into four lanes and across the border, would open the region's businesses to the rest of the country.

"Expanding Highway 34 and improving the Plattsmouth bridge to create new, faster, and more convenient gateways for commerce is important to advance economic development for the entire region," said King. "When roads are expanded, people, business and jobs follow. The reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act of the 21^st Century will provide the opportunity to identify these bridges as significant projects for both Iowa and Nebraska."

This week, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) held meetings requesting public comment on the proposed sites for the new bridge. Another proposed site for the bridge is south of Offutt Air Force Base.

Christian Coalition of Iowa does not endorse any candidate or political party.

Our goal is to provide the public with information with which to make informed decisions.