Southern Florida Congressional Delegation Requests Federal Review of Local Bridges

Press Release

Today Members of Congress from Miami-Dade, Collier, Monroe and Broward Counties expressed their sympathies to the victims and family members of those affected by the unfortunate and tragic collapse of the I-35 Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They also sent a letter to Secretary Mary Peters of the U.S. Department of Transportation inquiring about the status of bridges and highway overpasses in Southern Florida.

Members include: Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ron Klein (D-FL), Robert Wexler (D-FL) and Connie Mack (R-FL).

"After the shocking bridge collapse in Minnesota yesterday, my thoughts and prayers go out to that community and the families affected. We want to ensure that the bridges in our areas are safe. As a precaution, we have officially requested a federal review of all the bridges in the Southern Florida region," said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). "As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, safe travel is a top priority for me, and I remain committed to improving our roads and bridges."

"The safety and well being of our constituents are ever present with us and that is why it is vitally important that local, state and federal transportation agencies inspect our bridges to ensure that the structures are still sound after so many years," said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18).

"We in South Florida extend our heartfelt sympathies to the people of Minnesota affected by this awful tragedy, and our Congressional Delegation will work hand-in-hand with all relevant agencies to ensure that the bridges in our region are safe for travel," said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (FL-17).

"Given the number of bridges that crisscross South Florida, our region is more dependent upon bridges than almost any other region of the country," said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20). "There can be no maybes during the inspection process, we have to know whether our bridges are safe or not."

"I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred in Minneapolis yesterday. To ensure that this horrible tragedy is not repeated, we must certain that our critical transportation infrastructure meets all safety and security standards and is properly maintained. At this difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the Minneapolis tragedy and their loved ones," said Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21).

"The tragedy that occurred in Minnesota reminds us that we must be attentive to bridge safety. So many people in South Florida depend on the bridges and highways everyday. As public servants, people trust us to do everything we can to make sure they are safe when traveling on South Florida's highways and bridges. That's what this letter is all about, and I'm proud to join Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart in ensuring the safety of our transportation infrastructure in South Florida," said Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22).

"The catastrophe that occurred in Minnesota is a vivid reminder that we must not put innocent lives at risk through neglecting maintenance of structurally deficient infrastructure. Federal, state, and local authorities must make the necessary investments in infrastructure so that what happens yesterday never happens again," said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23).

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