The Golden Gate Bridge is a big step closer to getting a suicide barrier after bridge officials approved a $76 million funding package for a net system that would prevent people from jumping to their deaths.

The bridge district's board of directors voted unanimously on Friday in favor of the funding package, which includes $20 million in bridge toll revenue.

Federal money will provide the bulk of the remaining funding, though the state is also pledging $7 million.

At least some of the money still requires additional approval. The bridge's board, however, has now taken its final step in adopting the net.

Officials have been discussing a suicide barrier on the bridge for decades. More than 1,400 people have jumped to their deaths since the bridge opened in 1937.

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