06.18.13

Cantwell Statement on the Opening of the Skagit River Bridge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to the announcement that the repaired Interstate 5 Skagit River Bridge will open to traffic on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

“The opening of the Skagit River Bridge is great news for communities and businesses that depend on I-5,” said Cantwell. “Skagit County is a hub of economic activity and $38 million in U.S.-Canada trade travels across this bridge each day. Every business owner knows that time equals money. Starting Wednesday, 71,000 drivers – including customers for local businesses and truckers – will get to their destinations quicker without lengthy detours.

“Federal, state, and local officials have worked with the community in a true team effort to achieve this milestone. I know this partnership will continue as we permanently replace the bridge and continue to spread the word that Skagit County is open for business.”

On June 13, members of the Washington delegation announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation made available $15.6 million in emergency funds to support both temporary and permanent repairs to the I-5 Skagit River Bridge. Cantwell held a roundtable with Skagit County business leaders on June 7 to discuss the impacts of the bridge collapse on the local economy. That meeting marked her third visit to the area since the bridge collapsed.

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