The Padanaram causeway could face less downtime with additional funding that is currently being debated.

Under a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2017-2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which lists all federally-funded road and bridge projects in the region, $493,171 is being proposed for a new project that will provide additional maintenance for the Padanaram Bridge. The project is intended to add to repairs currently being made, and could decrease the length of time the causeway is closed to traffic, according to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD).

SRPEDD will host a meeting to hear comments from the public on the proposal on July 11, 4 p.m. at the SRPEDD headquarters, 88 Broadway in Taunton before taking a final vote on the proposal at a meeting on July 18 at 1 p.m.

Comments can also be submitted through email, phone, fax, via Facebook, Twitter, and in-person at the SRPEDD office.

Visit srpedd.org for instructions on submitting comments, meeting information, and to view a copy of the full TIP amendment.