LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska counties will ask lawmakers for help next year in repairing thousands of crumbling rural bridges that allow farmers to haul their products to market.

Possible options include targeted state aid for roads and bridges, or giving counties more freedom to use bonding for bridge repairs. The suggestions came during a final legislative hearing Tuesday on how to address the problem.

Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton, the committee chairwoman, says the issue has become a state problem because the lack of infrastructure makes it harder for farmers to do their jobs.

A national report released in July says 19 percent of Nebraska’s bridges have structural deficiencies. The bridges are generally considered safe, but they might have size and weight restrictions that prevent farm machinery and trucks from crossing.