As we approach the 2024 Senate elections in Pennsylvania, it is essential that we rally behind the Democratic candidate who has proven his commitment to the people of the state time and time again. That candidate is none other than Bob Casey.

Bob Casey has been a strong voice for the people of Pennsylvania since he was first elected to the Senate in 2006. He has fought tirelessly to protect the rights of working families, support small businesses, and promote economic growth across the state. He has been a champion of healthcare reform, advocating for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.

Throughout his years in the Senate, Bob Casey has consistently prioritized the needs of his constituents over partisan politics. He has worked across the aisle to find common ground and pass legislation that benefits the people of Pennsylvania. He has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil rights.

As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we have leaders like Bob Casey in the Senate. He has proven time and time again that he has the experience, dedication, and passion to fight for the people of Pennsylvania and make a real difference in their lives.

So, let's come together and
show our support for Bob Casey as he runs for Senate in 2024. Together, we can
ensure that our voices are heard and that Pennsylvania continues to have a
strong and effective leader in the Senate.

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October 30, 2023

Casey, Colleagues Push to Fund Critical I-83 South Bridge Replacement

High-traffic bridge has fallen into poor condition; steel beams are cracked and deteriorating Proposed weight restrictions on South Bridge would greatly harm local trucking industry and commerce Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led all 18 of his colleagues in the Pennsylvania congressional delegation in a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) application for federal infrastructure funding to replace the aging Interstate 83 John Harris Memorial Bridge, otherwise known as the I-83 South Bridge, over the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. The bridge is currently rated in “poor condition” by PennDOT and has developed cracks in its steel beams that are expected to deteriorate further. A full replacement is necessary to save the bridge from collapse and keep traffic flowing on I-83 in South Central Pennsylvania. “The I-83 South Bridge is an important piece of the Pennsylvania transportation network, facilitating connections to intermodal freight terminals, job opportunities, schools, and businesses large and small. With over 125,000 vehicles travelling over the bridge every day, it is crucial that this structure remain open and fully capable of carrying high volumes of traffic,” the delegation wrote. The I-83 South Bridge’s main river spans are considered fracture critical—the failure of a single girder could potentially result in the total collapse of one or more of the bridge spans. Funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is critical to fully replace the structure to keep residents and travelers safe and protect the local trucking industry, businesses, and schools. In addition to Senator Casey, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6), Susan Wild (D-PA-7), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8), Dan Meuser (R-PA-9), Scott Perry (R-PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), John Joyce (R-PA-13), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14), Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), and Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17). The full text of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation’s letter to DOT is below and the signed PDF can be found here. October 30, 2023 The Honorable Pete Buttigieg Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary Buttigieg: We write today in strong support of the application from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for funding to replace the Interstate 83 John Harris Memorial Bridge (“I-83 South Bridge”) over the Susquehanna River. Although this bridge is in South Central Pennsylvania, it is critical for all counties of the Commonwealth that this one-billion-dollar project receive federal assistance. The I-83 South Bridge is an important piece of the Pennsylvania transportation network, facilitating connections to intermodal freight terminals, job opportunities, schools, and businesses large and small. With over 125,000 vehicles travelling over the bridge every day, it is crucial that this structure remain open and fully capable of carrying high volumes of traffic. However, PennDOT officials have informed us that the sixty-year-old I-83 South Bridge is now in “poor condition” and at risk of having weight limits imposed. We understand that there are cracks in the steel beams of the structure that will only continue to get worse, and that the scope of deterioration means that the bridge must be replaced, not rehabilitated. The I-83 South Bridge was part of a larger collection of nine interstate bridges that the Commonwealth had intended to replace using revenue from a tolling plan. After Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court struck down the tolling plan, the Commonwealth entered a public-private partnership to replace six of these bridges, but not the I-83 South Bridge. As such, the I-83 South Bridge remains the biggest unfunded transportation project in Pennsylvania. Per PennDOT estimates, the cost of replacing this bridge is $1.1 to $1.3 billion. For reference, during the five-year lifespan of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Pennsylvania will receive $1.6 billion in dedicated funding for repairing and replacing bridges. Without funding through federal discretionary grant programs, PennDOT will have to allocate formula funding towards the project, jeopardizing dozens of other projects across the Commonwealth. As such, we write as representatives of all corners of Pennsylvania to underscore the statewide importance of this application. Funding the I-83 South Bridge replacement project will not just benefit Dauphin and Cumberland Counties, but also ensure that projects from Greene County to Wayne County receive funding and can advance. In order to maximize the historic investments from the IIJA, it is essential that the I-83 South Bridge receive federal discretionary funding. We thank you for your attention on this issue and look forward to working with your Department on this and other issues that affect Pennsylvania. ###

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