The Daily Outrage — August 29, 2008

Another bridge to nowhere

WHO: Former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey

WHAT: A $19 million Kerrey earmark paid for most of the cost of a $22 million pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River, the only pedestrian bridge linking two states in the United States.

HOW: The 2,224-foot bridge links Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Both cities agreed to pay $100,000 per year for maintenance.

WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE: There’s a reason this footbridge is listed under “Parks and Rec” — it links trails on both sides of the river. Federal taxpayers shouldn’t get stuck with the tab for a local amenity the two cities should have paid for themselves.

Related Content