Section 5: Funding Limitations
Anchor: #i1003327Limits on Rehabilitation for Continued Vehicular Use
Typically, engineering and construction costs associated with a historic bridge rehabilitation/improvement project are eligible for federal Highway Bridge Program funding as well as other federal funding. Posting for load and other warning signs may need to be installed as part of the construction project. For off-system bridge projects, maintenance of these signs should be the responsibility of the local government. Typically, on federal-aid projects, federal funds will provide for reimbursement of 80% of the eligible project costs, with the matching 20% being the responsibility of the state and/or local government. Procedures are in place to reduce the local share for counties determined to be economically disadvantaged as defined by state statute. Procedures have also been developed for historic structures that could be considered for rehabilitation as scenic bypasses.
Anchor: #i1003339Limits on Preservation for Nonvehicular Use
If a historic bridge is not to remain in public vehicular service under a federal Highway Bridge Program project per 23 U.S.C. 144(o), federal Highway Bridge Program fund participation in preservation efforts is limited to an amount not to exceed the reasonable estimate of the demolition cost for the historic bridge. Before using available federal Highway Bridge Program funds for preservation of non-vehicular historic bridges, contact the Bridge Division project manager to discuss future federal funding limitations.
The Bridge Division (BRG) is working to accumulate cost data on demolition and will update the guidance when it is available. All estimates must be closely coordinated with the BRG project manager.
Guidance regarding funding limitations on such projects under the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program should be requested from the Design Division TE program coordinator. Guidance regarding funding limitations on projects other than under the federal Highway Bridge Program or TE programs should be requested from the Bridge Division project manager.