Gallego, Kelly Announce $4.25 Million in Emergency Funding for Lower Cibola Bridge Repairs

Federal funding will help repair bridge damaged by Island Fire in La Paz County WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide $4.25 million in emergency funding to the Bureau of Reclamation to help repair and rebuild the Lower Cibola Bridge in La Paz County after it was damaged by the Island Fire and partially collapsed into the Colorado River. “These federal funds will provide the tools and resources necessary to repair the Lower Cibola Bridge, easing lengthy detours and ensuring safe passage over the Colorado River,” said Senator Gallego. “I applaud La Paz County, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Transportation, and all stakeholders for coming together to provide this critical lifeline.” “The restoration of Lower Cibola Bridge will reconnect the community and make it easier for families to get to work, school, and other essential services,” said Senator Kelly. “Securing this emergency funding improves an important economic route while making it safe and reliable.” The Lower Cibola Bridge serves as a key crossing over the Colorado River for local farmers, residents, federal agencies, and emergency responders. After the Island Fire ignited the bridge’s timber supports, two center spans collapsed into the river, cutting off a primary access route and forcing lengthy detours for people traveling through the area. The funding, provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, will support emergency and reconstruction work needed to restore the crossing. The Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program provides funding to repair or reconstruct federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that suffer serious damage from natural disasters or catastrophic events. Funding can be used for immediate repairs to restore essential access and protect damaged infrastructure, as well as permanent repairs needed to restore facilities to their pre-disaster condition.