WASHINGTON Congress is set to approve $10,620,000 for Naval Station Newport as part of the Military Construction Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2006. This funding, requested by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), will be used to replace a vehicle bridge between Coasters Harbor Island and Coddington Point at Naval Station Newport. This was the top construction priority of the Base Commander.The current bridge, built in 1933, does not meet American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design standards and has deteriorated to a point that capacity has been reduced. The small size of the current bridge also makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to cross, and is a potential safety hazards for pedestrians trying to cross the bridge.This funding will significantly improve access to Naval Station Newport and provide increased safety and security. Reed continued, This investment is vitally important to the continued presence and growth of the Station. As we saw in the recent base-realignment process, it is critical that we ensure that Rhode Island Naval facilities remain modern and up-to-date.