A deal has reportedly been reached that will give the Woodrow Wilson Bridge replacement project a much-needed push.
The replacement of the bridge connecting Virginia and Maryland over the Potomac near Washington, D.C., has been the source of fights over ownership and financing between the governments of the two states.
According to The Washington Times, Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III, a Republican, and Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening, a Democrat, agreed on the proposal after Gilmore offered to share ownership, operation and maintenance costs once the bridge is finished in 2006.
Gilmore proposed that the two states share ownership of the bridge 50/50, including any cost increases in maintenance. Maryland had previously wanted sole ownership.
Congress authorized only $1.5 billion for the project, which is expected to cost $2.2 billion to $2.5 billion. The federal government required the two states to work out an agreement for handling the costs and ownership.
"This will help get the bridge built on time," Gilmore reportedly said on a talk radio program.
Both states have pledged $200 million to the project, but Virginia has actually budgeted only $35 million. However, Virginia Department of Transportation officials say the money will be there.
The replacement of the bridge connecting Virginia and Maryland over the Potomac near Washington, D.C., has been the source of fights over ownership and financing between the governments of the two states.
According to The Washington Times, Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III, a Republican, and Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening, a Democrat, agreed on the proposal after Gilmore offered to share ownership, operation and maintenance costs once the bridge is finished in 2006.
Gilmore proposed that the two states share ownership of the bridge 50/50, including any cost increases in maintenance. Maryland had previously wanted sole ownership.
Congress authorized only $1.5 billion for the project, which is expected to cost $2.2 billion to $2.5 billion. The federal government required the two states to work out an agreement for handling the costs and ownership.
"This will help get the bridge built on time," Gilmore reportedly said on a talk radio program.
Both states have pledged $200 million to the project, but Virginia has actually budgeted only $35 million. However, Virginia Department of Transportation officials say the money will be there.
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