WASHINGTON D.C. (WEHT) — US Representatives Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) and John Shimkus (R-Ill.), along with Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), have introduced a bill that would restore the Harmony Way Bridge.
The “Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act” passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent.
“I am optimistic that this legislation will pass both chambers of Congress and finally breath life back into the New Harmony Bridge that extends from Indiana to Illinois across the Wabash River,” said Rep. Bucshon. “The Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act will convey the Harmony Way Bridge to both the Indiana and Illinois Bridge Authorities – allowing the states to have management over the Harmony Way Bridge and write the next chapter for this historic bridge.”
“Conveying the New Harmony Bridge to Illinois and Indiana Bridge Authorities is the best way to preserve and restore this local treasure,” said Rep. Shimkus. “I appreciate the strong support this effort has received from my friends on both sides of the Wabash River.”
“The Harmony Way Bridge is one of southern Indiana’s lost treasures, and I’m proud to pitch in to the great work Representatives Bucshon and Shimkus have done on both sides of the Wabash to help get this piece of Hoosier history back up and running,” said Senator Braun.
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation which will grant certainty to the New Harmony community,” said Senator Young. “Passage of this bill would allow Posey county, along with its neighboring communities, to dictate the future of this important, historic landmark.”
“Investing in Illinois’s infrastructure is one of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in helping introduce this bipartisan legislation to eliminate red-tape, jumpstart repairs to restore the Harmony Way Bridge and build upon the important connection between our states.”
“Giving local bridge authorities responsibility over the historic New Harmony Bridge will help restore and preserve it for generations of Hoosiers and Illinoisans to come,” Senator Durbin said. “Proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill today.”
