Feds to fund replacement bridge span

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will fund all emergency support repairs to the I-5 Skagit River Bridge, Washington state Congressmen announced Thursday.

Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that the USDOT Emergency Relief will give $15.6 million to fund the entire temporary bridge replacement and a large portion of the permanent replacement bridge.

Sen. Murray said the announcement was "great news" for businesses near the Skagit River.

"It's also an important step for communities in Northwest Washington whose local economies have paid the price in the wake of the collapse," Murray said in a written statement. "

In order to receive USDOT Emergency Relief, the state is required to request funding and make a formal declaration of emergency. On May 24, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a State of Emergency for Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.