Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Bobby Schilling (IL-17) have sent a joint letter in support of the Quad Cities' I-74 bridge to United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Victor Mendez.  The Congressmen met with members of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC in February, when they discussed issues of importance to the region including the Rock Island Arsenal and the need to replace the I-74 bridge.

"[The Illinois Department of Transportation] has previously stated that the I-74 Bridge is a high priority for the state of Illinois, but that they require federal funding to complete this project with the state of Iowa," the Congressmen wrote.  "We encourage you to place the I-74 Bridge as a high priority for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration's Highway Bridge Program.  Doing so will not only address the safety of our citizens, but will also support the commerce that goes through our country and boost our economic viability."

Previously, Loebsack has met with representatives from the Iowa DOT about the importance of the I-74 bridge.  He has also expressed the need to replace the bridge to Secretary LaHood, and urged the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to take action.  Schilling and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation on February 29 had the opportunity to meet with IDOT Secretary Ann L. Schneider, who confirmed that IDOT is well aware of the need to replace the I-74 bridge.