Fischer in Ainsworth Star-Journal: Building and Repairing Bridges to Keep the Sandhills Connected

In case you missed it: U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, penned an opinion piece in the Ainsworth Star-Journal highlighting bridge repair and replacement projects she secured federal funding for. These investments were made possible by the senator’s efforts throughout the federal appropriations process, which resulted in $897,000 to rehabilitate eight bridges in Brown County. Read the piece here or below. Nebraska’s rural communities depend on reliable infrastructure to stay connected. Our roads and bridges play an essential role in everyday life, from transporting ag products to market to safely sending kids to school. Our communities—and our state—are stronger when our infrastructure is updated and dependable. That is why I used my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure a $897,000 federal investment to replace and repair multiple bridges in Brown County. This funding will help rehabilitate eight bridges: six over the Ainsworth Irrigation District Canal, one in southern Brown County, and one in northeastern Brown County. From 2005 to 2013, I represented the 43rd District in the state legislature, the largest district in the state by area. I spent countless hours driving across the Sandhills to meet with Nebraskans, and I continue to travel the state today as your U.S. senator. I know firsthand how important safe and reliable bridges are to north central Nebraska. They allow farmers, ranchers, and businesses to easily transport their products, keeping our state connected to regional markets. In times of crisis, our bridges allow for safe medical transport and emergency response. Nebraskans deserve consistent access to life’s necessities, like getting to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment. In fact, one bridge being repaired is the only access point to a ranch residence. Maintaining this bridge is essential for travel in urgent situations, particularly in the event of a medical emergency. These bridge repair and replacement projects reflect what I believe federal funding should do: work for Nebraskans to improve everyday life. And bringing home federal funds for these projects provides much-needed tax relief. Otherwise, these costs would be shifted onto families, farmers, and small businesses through higher local property taxes. Bringing our tax dollars we send to DC back to Nebraska through federal funding takes the burden off hardworking Nebraskans. And if these bridges were not fixed, travelers would be forced to take longer alternative routes. Take for example the bridge that these funds will help repair in northeastern Brown County, which is used by ranchers to haul cattle and hay across Long Pine Creek. If it were to fail, the detour route would be over 30 miles—making it significantly harder for residents and emergency personnel to access this part of the county. These projects were made possible because Nebraskans recognized a need in their community and took action. I encourage all Nebraskans to do the same and contact my office if we can be of assistance. As always, I am honored to serve as your senior U.S. senator and will continue working to bring these investments back to Nebraska.