Official sources show that Minnesota had been long diverting bridge repair funds to build new highways.
"The bridge collapse should not have been unexpected. The Minnesota tragedy is part of a broader nationwide problem with structurally deficient bridges.
The span on I-35 had been classified as structurally deficient since 1990, meaning that significant load-bearing elements were impaired, although not necessarily in dangerous condition. Bridge inspectors have assigned this status to one in eight bridges across America, totaling more than 70,000, with Pennsylvania topping the list at 5,798. More than 50,000 bridges nationwide are sufficiently damaged that inspectors recommend they be replaced entirely.
The major reasons for this systematic failure are short-sighted politics and misguided policies that cause funding for bridge repair to compete unsuccessfully against money for new highways."
Thanks to Phineas Baxandall
FULL STORY: The Next Bridge Collapse

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
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