Disasters toppling highways and bridges are straining a federal emergency infrastructure fund with an annual baseline Congress hasn’t boosted in more than 50 years.
Billions of dollars will be needed after calamities—from recent hurricanes to the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge in March— have destroyed roads nationwide and jeopardized local economies, supply chains and residents’ livelihoods. The need spotlights a shortfall for the Federal Highway Administration’s emergency fund designed to help states with their rebuilding efforts.
Congress returns this week following an election that upended the balance of power in Washington, and lawmakers face calls to replenish the ...