Clark highlights $18M bridge project during Revere visit

  Last week, Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Katherine Clark joined Mayor Brian Arrigo and other state and local officials at the Andrew A. Casassa Overpass to highlight the $18 million investment from the federal infrastructure law that will be used to renovate and replace the bridge. The overpass was built in 1931 and was the first overpass built in Massachusetts. Prior to addressing the gathered officials, Clark was given a quick tour of the leaky, battered overpass by Don Ciaramella, Revere’s chief of infrastructure and engineering.

  “The Andrew A. Casassa Overpass is one of the 472 bridges in Massachusetts in great need of repair,” said Clark. “This bridge is a main transportation link for the city and its residents, and yet, this 91-year-old bridge – the first overpass built in Massachusetts – is at the end of its reliable life.”

  Clark said that when infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate, traffic and commute times increase and the quality of life goes down. “That’s why the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats made it a priority to enact the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and economic competitiveness in nearly a century,” Clark said. “I was honored to celebrate the $18 million coming to Revere to repair and modernize this overpass, part of the $1.1 billion investment in the Commonwealth’s bridges, and begin our path to a 21st century economy.”

  Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced that the first round of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s $27.5 billion bridge formula program was distributed to states and tribal communities. In this initial round of funding, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will receive $225.3 million for Fiscal Year 2022. Over the life of the five-year program, Massachusetts will eventually receive $1.1 billion for bridge replacement and repair projects across Massachusetts.

  “As municipal leaders, we know the power of investing in infrastructure,” said Arrigo. “I am thankful for federal and state partners like Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark for understanding the importance of infrastructure funding – with ARPA money, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and other grant opportunities from Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito, the city of Revere is in an unprecedented position to make lasting infrastructure change that will benefit all residents and visitors.”