FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 23, 2000
Contact: Virginia Miller
Tel.: 202-366-0660
FHWA 55-00

Statement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E.Slater On the Woodrow Wilson Bridge

Yesterday the state of Maryland, as authorized by the Federal Highway Administration, advertised the contract to begin work dredging the Potomac River. This initiative sets in motion a process preparing for replacement of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

In order to begin construction of the replacement Bridge on schedule, it was critical to set the process in motion now. To protect the marine environment of the Potomac, dredging of the river can only take place between Oct. 15 and Feb. 15 under the Corps of Engineers permit.

While I am pleased that the process for replacing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge has begun, before the dredging starts, we must ensure that the additional $600 million in federal funds necessary to fund the project is secured. I look forward to working with Members of Congress and regional transportation leaders to help advance this vitally important project.