Plans to replace the ailing Memorial Bridge encountered a kink recently, as a U.S. House bill jeopardizes $20 million in federal funding toward the project.

Both of New Hampshire’s congressional delegates, Republicans Frank Guinta and Charlie Bass, voted in favor of a House resolution on Feb. 19 that cuts more than $60 billion in government spending. Both congressmen praised the bill in press releases, saying spending in Washington had spiraled out of control. 

What neither mentioned is that the resolution eliminates several economic recovery grants, potentially including the $20 million TIGER II grant New Hampshire and Maine secured last fall to help replace the Memorial Bridge.

Under the bill, TIGER II funding that has already been “obligated” to projects underway would be retained. But, since construction on the bridge replacement has not yet begun, the funding for New Hampshire and Maine is not considered obligated. If they do not convince Congress to amend the bill by March 4, it will move to the Senate without funding for the bridge replacement.

The new bridge’s design is nearly complete, though, and local officials are confident the TIGER II funding will be restored with an amendment. Both Guinta and Bass say they are seeking funds for the bridge project. 

Memorial Bridge, an 88-year-old structure spanning the Piscataqua River from Portsmouth to Kittery, tops New Hampshire’s red list of deteriorating bridges and is believed to have only one or two years remaining in its lifespan. Construction on the $90 million project to replace it is scheduled to begin in 2012.