Sen. Patty Murray says the U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing the remaining $15.6 million of the federal share for repair of the I-5 bridge over the Skagit River that collapsed three weeks ago.
Murray, a Democrat, said Thursday Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told her in a phone call that the funds were being released. The total cost of the project is $17.8 million. The federal government previously released $1 million. The state is expected to provide the remaining money.
Victor Menendez, head of the Federal Highway Administration, said he is committed to seeing repairs to the bridge completed by Oct. 1. He said two temporary spans will be in place by June 20, although traffic over the bridges will be limited to 35 mph.
