By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

The life of the iconic Newport Pell Bridge, more than 50 years old, would be extended by another 50 to 75 years under a $82.5 million federal grant, officials said at a gathering Monday to ‘celebrate’ the grant award.

All four members of the state’s congressional delegation attended, and vowed to seek funding to rehabilitate the even older Mount Hope Bridge, a second key span linking Aquidneck Island with the mainland.

“These bridges are central to our economy. Indeed, to our way of life,” said Senator Jack Reed at Monday’s event, moved indoors by misty weather to a Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority garage adjacent to the Pell bridge toll plaza.

“Just to get to see the grandkids, you need the bridge many times. To get commerce, to get tourists in, you need these bridges,” said Reed.

Both bridges span salt water and are subject to deterioration due to climate change, said Turnpike and Bridge Authority Executive Director Lori Silveira.

Gov. Dan McKee, members of the congressional delegation and union leaders Michael Sabitoni of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council and Justin Kelley of Painters Union Local 195 also talked about the opportunities the grant money will provide to train and hire workers during the rehabilitation project.