Washington, D.C. — June 1, 2026 — Counties across the United States are set to benefit from a major increase in federal bridge funding under the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), a bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill passed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The five-year legislation authorizes $580 billion, $30 billion more than the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with counties and local governments expected to access 22% of the funding through formula set-asides, suballocation, and discretionary grants. This represents a 270% increase in funding for county-owned bridges, a critical boost as more than 40,000 county-owned bridges are currently classified as structurally deficient.
Counties maintain 38% of the nation’s bridges, totaling over 229,000 structures. The Act raises annual bridge funding to $9 billion, up from $5.4 billion, with 25% reserved for locally owned bridges. It also establishes a 95% federal cost-share for local bridge projects, helping rural counties afford replacements and repairs.
Local officials, including Lucas County, Ohio Engineer Mike Pniewski, welcomed the funding increase. “They’re in relatively good shape, but they’re aging quickly,” he said, noting that many bridges built during the World War II era are nearing the end of their 75-year lifespan. With heavier freight traffic and harsh winters accelerating deterioration, counties face mounting repair needs. “That doubles or even triples the amount of bridges that I can do per year,” Pniewski added.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has underscored the importance of equitable funding distribution, publishing a report that highlights the challenges counties face in raising revenue and accessing federal support. The report calls for increasing formula funds available for local use, simplifying grant access, and strengthening planning to ensure counties can secure intended funding.
By addressing these inequities, the BUILD America 250 Act promises to bridge critical gaps in infrastructure investment, supporting safer roads, stronger communities, and long-term economic resilience.
