Document zdnOp0QN6Lx0e8Rn2zQXRdmX7

July 25, 2025 The Honorable Sean Duffy Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, DC 20590 RE: PA 462 Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge Rehabilitation Project Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Large Bridge Project Grant Application Dear Secretary Duffy: I am pleased to provide this letter of support for the application submitted by the Lancaster County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bridge Investment Program (BIP). If awarded, the Large Bridge Project grant would support the rehabilitation of the PA 462 Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, a critical and irreplaceable infrastructure link connecting Lancaster and York counties across the Susquehanna River. This bridge is not only a key component of regional mobility, but also a lifeline for emergency services, local commuters, and economic activity throughout the area. It is my understanding that the PA 462 Bridge has deteriorated significantly, necessitating the posting of a 10-ton weight restriction and requiring interim repairs, which were completed earlier this year, to prevent full closure. These circumstances underscore the urgency of complete rehabilitation to ensure continued safe access and to prevent future closure. Federal support through the BIP would facilitate essential and overdue improvements, safeguarding the bridge's structural integrity and functionality for decades to come. Additionally, this grant would allow the MPO to redirect resources toward other critical infrastructure priorities across the county, therefore broadening the impact of federal investment and accelerating long-term transportation objectives. I commend the Lancaster County MPO and PennDOT for their collaborative leadership and forwardlooking approach to this project. To assist in their efforts, I respectfully urge the Department to give this application full and fair consideration. Sincerely, Lloyd Smucker Member of Congress OST-2025-1200 Page 00085 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0008247