Kelly, Gallego Announce More Than $4 Million in Emergency Funding for Bridge Repairs in La Paz County

Federal funding will help repair bridge damaged by Island Fire

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego announced that 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. The structure was damaged by the Island Fire and partially collapsed into the Colorado River.

The Lower Cibola Bridge serves as a key crossing over the Colorado River for local farmers, residents, federal workers, 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 restoration of this bridge will reconnect the community and make it easier for families to get to work, school, healthcare, and other services they rely on," said Kelly. "Securing this emergency funding is critical because Lower Cibola Bridge is also an important economic route in La Paz County that will now be safe and reliable."

"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 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 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.