FIU Bridge Payments Suspended By Florida Governor

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced on Monday that he was suspending all federal funding payments for the Florida International University pedestrian bridge that collapsed last week. While the structure is being funded mostly through federal grant money, the payments are administered through the Florida Department of Transportation.

“Today, I am directing FDOT to suspend all future payments of the more than $13.6 million in federal funding originally allocated for this project," Scott said. "Before another dollar is spent on this bridge, we must know exactly what happened. FDOT is working hand-in-hand with the NTSB in its investigation and until this is completed, all taxpayer dollars will be withheld.”

See also Miami Bridge Collapse: FIU Holds Moment Of Silence

Monday's announcement came moments after the university held a moment of silence to remember the six people killed in the tragedy.

State officials said that the funding will be withheld indefinitely pending the completion of the National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the collapse, which killed six people and injured nine others.

“Last week, the lives of six Floridians were tragically lost when the FIU pedestrian bridge suddenly collapsed onto SW 8th Street in Miami," according to the state's Republican top executive. "Ann and I are heartbroken for these families and while we continue to mourn the loss of these individuals, we are also searching for answers."

The funding breakdown for the FIU pedestrian bridge includes $57,654 from the state of Florida; $11,397,120 from a federal Department of Transportation TIGER grant, $2,214,002 in other federal funding and $2,915,783 from local sources for a total of $16,584,559.

FIU awarded a design-build contract for the bridge through a competitive bid process. The bridge was designed by FIGG Bridge Engineers and built by MCM Construction. Barnhart Crane and Rigging operated the equipment that placed the bridge on its supports. Bolton Perez and Associates were awarded the contract to provide construction, engineering and inspection services.

"FIU has a thorough process for hiring contractors for building projects and works with all appropriate authorities to follow the legal and regulatory requirements," insisted FIU President Mark Rosenberg in a statement released prior to the governor's announcement.

"We are confident that FIU followed all proper procedures and protocols," Rosenberg added.

Photo courtesy state of Florida