Senate Democrats Announce Significant Infrastructure Investments Across The Country Thanks To The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Across the United States, Senate Democrats announced significant local projects resulting from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by the Senate and signed by President Biden last year. Ranging from road, port and bridge replacement and repair to airport funding, broadband access, and water infrastructure and public transportation money, this legislation is already helping communities across the country. Senate Democrats highlighted this important work during the state work period in February, visiting with mayors, farmers, labor leaders and local transit officials to view and oversee projects that stand to directly impact from this historic investment.
ARIZONA
KYMA: Senator Sinema discusses water infrastructure in Yuma. “Local agriculture leaders and researchers spoke to U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema about the drought conditions, water usage of different crops, and irrigation. As Sinema looks at how best to distribute money locally from the $1.2 trillion-dollar physical infrastructure bill passed in November. ‘Today's meeting was about getting the money quickly into the Yuma system,’ Sinema said. Local agricultural business leaders said they appreciate Senator Sinema's work getting the bill passed, and now are ready to begin working.” [KYMA, 2/23/22]
East Valley Tribune: Farmers ask Sinema for help at EV meeting. “Schnepf and a small group of farmers and ranchers met with U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-AZ, at the Arizona Farm Bureau in Gilbert to discuss their challenges and what she can do to help. Sinema was in the East Valley on Feb. 11 touting the goodies that are coming to Arizona from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill she helped shepherd to President Joe Biden’s desk.” [East Valley Tribune, 2/24/22]
COLORADO
Ark Valley Voice: U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh Makes Wednesday Visit to Colorado. “Governor Jared Polis welcomed U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to Colorado to the state on Wednesday. The visit follows Secretary Walsh’s recent announcement of the Department of Labor’s ‘Good Jobs Initiative,’ a coordinated effort by the Biden-Harris administration to improve job quality nationwide with the implementation of the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Polis was one of the first governors in the country to support this new law. Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper joined the governor and Secretary Walsh at Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce to bring awareness to Registered Apprenticeships, prior to touring the Metropolitan State University campus’ advanced aerospace manufacturing lab and discuss the importance of apprenticeship programs to expand job training opportunities and in particular open up access for women and students of color to succeed in any field they choose — from construction and advanced manufacturing to childcare, healthcare, and hospitality.” [Ark Valley Voice, 2/24/22]
Post Independent: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, senators Bennet and Hickenlooper talked climate change during visit to Glenwood Canyon. “Buttegieg, joining senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet in highlighting President Biden’s $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, said the country needs to use this new substantial funding package to build anew and in turn place less dependence on emergency response. ‘That’s why there’s an emphasis on things like evacuation routes, ways to shore up and prevent damage to critical infrastructure that’s in this area,’ he said. ‘And make sure that folks like the CDOT team have the assets and the resources they need to very quickly respond to anything that might be coming.’” [Post Independent, 2/25/22]
CONNECTICUT
The Day: Federal, Connecticut and New York officials tout $106 million in funding for Long Island Sound. “Blumenthal mentioned New London’s stormwater authority in his remarks Wednesday: ‘A special shoutout to New London, which is a city that has decided to adopt a strong water utility, which is to be commended. The stormwater utility’s treatment of stormwater ... will help the quality of life in New London and really throughout the region.’ New London remains the only municipality in Connecticut with a stormwater authority. Meant as a way to address consistent flooding on Bank Street, the utilities department, as the result of the creation of the authority in 2019, took over operation of the pump station from the Public Works Department and has been mapping the city’s entire stormwater system and investigating the causes of flooding in parts of the city. Blumenthal also pointed out Wednesday that New York’s ineffective wastewater treatment is spilling over into Connecticut.” [The Day, 2/16/22]
DELAWARE
WDMT: U.S. Congressmembers visit Slaughter Beach to observe climate change effects. “Sen. Carper and Rep. Blunt Rochester also paid a visit to Rehoboth Beach Tuesday afternoon. They spoke with local leaders about how money from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be used in Sussex County. About $43 million from the legislation is slated to help finish and repair the Indian River Inlet. Sen. Carper says, just like in Slaughter Beach, those improvements are badly needed.” [WDMT, 2/22/22]
Cape Gazette: Legislators highlight need to rebuild bay beaches. “The entourage then traveled to Indian River Inlet, where $43 million from the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act will be used to provide upgrades and repairs to the area around the inlet. ‘We can now face the challenges here, and protect Route 1 and the inlet bridge for years to come,’ Carper said. … During the visit to Indian River Inlet, Carper highlighted another challenge to be met – to repair the sand-bypass system that pumps sand from the south side to the north side of the inlet where beach erosion occurs. About 100,000 cubic yards of sand are pumped each year across the inlet in a pipe attached to the inlet bridge.” [Cape Gazette, 2/25/22]
GEORGIA
WRGA News: Ossoff: Rome to get $15 million for public transportation. “Rome is getting approximately $15 million for public transportation as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden back in November. Georgia US Senator Jon Ossoff made that announcement during a visit to Rome Tuesday. Ossoff wrote the Local Transportation Support Act as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. He said it is to help smaller, rural, and less-resourced communities to do transit planning.” [WRGA News, 2/22/22]
ILLINOIS
Chicago Tribune: Political heavyweights come to Waukegan to tout how President Biden’s infrastructure plan will benefit harbor; ‘This will advance the entire community.’ “Eradicating more than a century of contamination of Waukegan Harbor’s water is a 30-year project so far, and the local share of $1 billion from President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure plan for Great Lakes restoration will pay for the rest. Biden announced plans for spending $1 billion for Great Lakes restoration Thursday and a host of federal officials including Mitch Landrieu, Biden’s senior adviser on infrastructure, came to Waukegan to let more than 50 people at City Hall know how the community will benefit. ‘I’m from New Orleans, a place by the water, and I know how important that is,’ Landrieu, a former New Orleans mayor, said. ‘This is the biggest bill of its kind in history. Billions will be spent on water, and it’s coming here to Waukegan today.’ Delivering the message along with Landrieu were Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., U.S. Rep Brad Schneider, D-Deerfield, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg.” [Chicago Tribune, 2/20/22]
MARYLAND
Gov Tech: Maryland Senator Discusses Broadband With Residents. “Lawmakers have pledged to use state and federal funds to bring high speed internet to those in the county who need it. On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D- Maryland) visited the Thurmont Regional Library, a short drive south of Sabillasville, for a roundtable to reaffirm his commitment to improve local broadband access. Thursday marked the 101st day since Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the largest investment in American infrastructure in more than half a century. The legislation will provide more than $7 billion to Maryland over the next five years for improving roads and bridges, public transit and broadband access, among other things.” [Gov Tech, 2/25/22]
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Herald: ‘A fantastic new bus facility’: As MBTA transforms bus fleet to electric, Massachusetts officials highlight new garage and billions in federal cash. “U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said the billions of dollars for mass transit is a ‘once in a generation opportunity to address some of our biggest infrastructure challenges — to take bold steps, to combat climate change and to tackle environmental justice head on.’ Electric buses and rail are the ‘best way to improve reliability, to reduce maintenance costs and to clean our environment,’ Warren added. ‘This federal money is not coming a moment too soon,’ she said. ‘Nearly a quarter of the buses and other public transit vehicles in our state are beyond their useful lives.’ Other people at the event on Monday included Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secretary of Transportation Jamey Tesler, Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, House Speaker Ronald Mariano, and U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch.” [Boston Herald, 2/14/22]
MINNESOTA
Park Rapids Enterprise: Sen. Klobuchar discusses infrastructure needs with local mayors. “U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) met with three northwestern Minnesota mayors, including Park Rapids Mayor Ryan Leckner, to hear about their infrastructure needs. … Klobuchar noted there will be grants available to fund many of these projects. Those will be available through MnDOT, through the Build Grant program, through congressional earmarked projects and through new grant programs, which she said gives emphasis to rural community needs.” [Park Rapids Enterprise, 2/18/22]
Star Tribune: Minnesota briefs: St. Louis River cleanup fast-tracked under feds. “Cleanup of the Twin Ports' St. Louis River will accelerate under new federal Great Lakes restoration funding. The Lake Superior estuary is one of 22 designated ‘areas of concern’ to be restored using $1 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure deal approved by Congress last fall. Cleanup of the St. Louis River is expected to be done by 2030. In a White House-led Zoom call Friday, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar focused on the importance of Duluth's port activities, calling Lake Superior not only a ‘treasure’ for citizens, but ‘a major part of our commerce.’ U.S. Sen. Tina Smith said the "unprecedented investment" in the Great Lakes is culturally significant.” [Star Tribune, 2/19/22]
MONTANA
Daily Inter Lake: Infrastructure funding to boost airport expansion project. “A crane loomed over Glacier Park International Airport on Wednesday as U.S. Sen. Jon Tester spoke about infrastructure funding, including $14.5 million going to the airport in the next five years through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Tester’s visit came shortly after the Montana Department of Transportation’s annual passenger data revealed GPIA as the state’s second-busiest airport in 2021, behind only Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.” [Daily, Inter Lake, 2/24/22]
Hi-Line Today: Tester Meets with Havre and Hill County Officials. “U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) stopped by Bear Paw Development in Havre on Friday morning to discuss a variety of issues with local officials. Two much talked-about issues during the 45 minute long meeting were CDL requirements and Amtrak.” [Hi-Line Today, 2/28/22]
NEVADA
News 3LV: Nevada now seeing funding to help with road infrastructure, traffic safety. “Nevada is beginning to see millions of dollars in funding to help better our roadways, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto said improving roadways and crosswalk safety for students across southern Nevada are huge priorities with this bill. The US senator, along with other local officials, walked along Fort Apache Road near Faiss Middle School on Friday as kids arrived for class. They discussed further improving crosswalks and other traffic safety measures with the millions of dollars coming to Nevada thanks to the bill.” [News 3LV, 2/11/22]
OHIO
Mahoning Matters: U.S. Sen. Brown: Youngstown to receive $32.6M in federal funding to improve public transit. “Youngstown-area transit agencies like Western Reserve Transit Authority can expect $32.6 million from the federal infrastructure package, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Cleveland, D-Ohio, announced Tuesday. Brown met with WRTA leaders Tuesday in downtown Youngstown to discuss the available funding, $1.5 million of which has already been distributed to WRTA and Youngstown, according to a news release. “Much more is coming,” he said — money that can be invested in expanding public transit, job training and pollution-free vehicles.” [Mahoning Matters, 2/22/22]
WKYC: “Good news for Cleveland public transportation the greater Cleveland RTA is receiving more than 20 million dollars thanks to the Infrastructure and Jobs Act. According to Senator Sherrod Brown, over the next five years Ohio will receive one point three billion dollars of guaranteed funding from the bipartisan infrastructure deal. Senator Brown called the money the beginning of the largest investment in Ohio's public transportation ever.” [WKYC, 2/25/22]
Daily Advocate: Brown talks with Darke County business leaders about jobs, infrastructure investment. “Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) spoke virtually with business leaders at the Darke County Chamber of Commerce about jobs, industry and potential projects in the community from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Brown helped to write and pass, and other community concerns. The bipartisan infrastructure law will allow Ohio communities to upgrade outdated bridges, roads, transit, and water and sewer systems and to build new broadband networks. ‘Much of my focus over the coming months will be ensuring Ohio communities get their fair share of these federal investments. Ohioans know best what their communities need,’ said Brown.” [Daily Advocate, 2/24/22]
Marion Star: Sherrod Brown, Marion leaders discuss Intel potential, hiring challenges. “Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown facilitated a virtual roundtable discussion with Marion County leaders Tuesday to discuss community concerns and ways Marion can be preparing for the arrival of Intel to central Ohio. After the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in the fall, a bipartisan act that Brown helped write and pass, he wanted to meet with the Marion leaders to discuss the growing economy and opportunities. ‘There has been more job creation in the last year than we've seen in any first year of a presidency in my lifetime. Our economy is now growing, granted inflation is a serious, serious problem, but our economy is growing faster than China's for the first time in two decades,’ Brown said as he opened the virtual meeting.” [Marion Star, 2/26/22]
OREGON
Columbia County Spotlight: Sen. Ron Wyden holds town hall in Columbia County. “Wyden touted a 2021 law pumping more than $1 trillion into infrastructure projects across the country. ‘The bipartisan infrastructure bill has substantial funds for the kinds of things you're talking about, and it's my job to walk these dollars through the system,’ Wyden continued.” [Columbia County Spotlight, 2/22/22]
Curry Pilot: Sen. Merkley reaches out to Coos and Curry counties. “On Saturday, Merkley held community town halls for Coos and Curry counties, sharing about things happening in Washington, D.C. and answering questions from residents in both counties. … Merkley also praised the bipartisan infrastructure bill, part of which will be spent on repairs to the Coos Bay North Jetty, infrastructure in North Bend and healthcare in Bandon.” [Curry Pilot, 2/24/22]
PENNSYLVANIA
WNEP: Lackawanna County's COLTS getting $2 million. “More than $2 million is coming to help improve public transit in Lackawanna County. That money from the Federal Infrastructure Law will benefit COLTS: the County Of Lackawanna Transit System. U.S. Senator Bob Casey spoke with local officials about how to use those funds to benefit local seniors and what improvements are needed the most.” [WNEP, 2/24/22]
Longview News-Journal: US Senator Bob Casey Visits the Hill CDC in the Historic Hill District. “Senator Casey sat down with Marimba Milliones, President & CEO of the Hill CDC, to exchange thoughts and details on a range of opportunities for federal support. Senator Casey was extremely attentive to the current condition of the Hill District and its future needs. He explained in detail the recently passed Infrastructure and Jobs Act, and the potential it holds for the Hill District and similar neighborhoods. The Act provides critical funding for infrastructure such as streets and broadband technology, public transportation, stormwater management, and the removal of lead pipes to promote improved water quality for residents. It is projected that up to 30,000 jobs will be created in Pennsylvania each year for ten years. Both Senator Casey and Ms. Milliones expressed mutual interest in assuring that many of those jobs are available to Hill District residents and residents of other Black communities.” [Longview News-Journal, 2/28/22]
VERMONT
VT Digger: Federal infrastructure package pumps millions into Vermont’s clean water efforts, broadband. “Lake Champlain and Vermont’s water infrastructure are set to receive millions of dollars in investments over the coming years as part of last year’s $1 trillion federal infrastructure law. The bipartisan effort — which cleared Congress and was signed by President Joe Biden in November — directed $2.2 billion to Vermont over a five-year period. That money was aimed at improving an array of government services, such as roads, bridges and public transit. But at a press conference Thursday afternoon at the ECHO Center in Burlington, officials focused on the funds it allocated to clean water programs. U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., called the infrastructure act ‘one of the most important legislative vehicles helping us move the country forward’ and highlighted the funds it dedicated to repairing drinking water systems.” [VT Digger, 2/24/22]
Saint Albans Messenger: Leahy: Border crossing in Highgate Springs to receive even more funding for upgrades. “The land port of entry in Highgate Springs could receive even more federal funding for border crossing improvements than initially proposed. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by President Biden, includes $170 million for the project, but Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has designated $85 million in additional federal funds for Highgate in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which is now in final bipartisan negotiations. The money is one of the senator’s Congressionally Directed Spending provisions for fiscal year 2023, David Carle, a spokesperson for Leahy, told the Messenger.” [Saint Albans Messenger, 2/25/22]
VIRGINIA
13 News Now: Kaine, Luria take aerial tour of places in Virginia that will benefit from $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. “If there's one thing that's true about Hampton Roads, it's that much of it is surrounded by water. And that's where the infrastructure bill could come in handy. From a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, Senator Tim Kaine and Congresswoman Elaine Luria got an aerial tour of places where the $1.2-trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will play a big role.” [13 News Now, 2/21/22]
WTKR-NFK (CBS) “Taylor and Senator Tim Kaine checked out several ongoing projects in Hampton Roads aboard a coast guard helicopter. “These investments are think are really going to be helpful but congress still needs to pass a spending bill. Senator Kaine says Virginia could lose out on more than 300 million dollars of infrastructure dollars if they don't reach an agreement by mid-march, he's optimistic they will. We’ve done the bipartisan infrastructure bill and so those dollars are, you know, waiting to go out the door. And he says with more money, more opportunities to address major issues in the city like around the base, we're seeing this problem and this infrastructure investment is going to give us the ability start to tackle some of these bigger projects. “We also know the port of Virginia is getting close to 70 million dollars to help make the channel at the port wider and deeper. So we're already seeing some of the impacts here of the infrastructure bill here in Hampton. Roads and Norfolk.” [WTKR, 2/22/22]
WRIC: Sen. Kaine visits Richmond’s George Wythe high school, answers questions about infrastructure and mental health. “Virginia Senator Tim Kaine made a stop at George Wythe High School during his visit to Richmond Wednesday to listen to concerns of students. … Students asked the senator about affordable housing, mental health and whether he believes certain topics should be banned in schools. They also asked about the Black Lives Matter movement, the current international situation in Ukraine and infrastructure. One student spoke about the current status of the high school stating that it was ‘falling apart.’” [WRIC, 2/23/22]
Royal Examiner: With billions of dollars up for grabs, Warner launches webpage to give edge to Virginia localities. “With billions of dollars in infrastructure funding up for grabs, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) is working to give a leg up to Virginia’s counties, cities, towns, tribes, and stakeholders. Today, Sen. Warner unveiled a new resource webpage that will make these dollars as accessible as possible for Virginia localities as they prepare to compete for the funding, which was authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law negotiated by Sen. Warner and signed by President Joe Biden.” [Royal Examiner, 2/22/22]
WASHINGTON
Transportation Today: Sen. Murray discusses federal support for Washington state ferries. “U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined state and local transit leaders Thursday to discuss the more than $168 million in federal funds directed to Washington state ferries in 2021.” … “Washington state is set to receive at least $4.7 billion for highway funding, $605 million for bridge replacement and repairs, $1.79 billion for public transportation, and $71 million to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network across the state as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” [Transportation Today, 2/14/22]
WEST VIRGINIA
WVNS: Manchin comments on inflation, infrastructure during Greenbrier County visit. “Manchin also commented on the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill that will bring nearly $6 Billion to the Mountain State for broadband expansion, roads, bridges and other needs. ‘The state has an awful lot of money that the feds have sent in,’ Manchin said. ‘So, you have the feds and the state and then you have basically your local planning for the Greenbrier County, for the White Sulphur area and what you all are doing is unbelievable and there is opportunity there, tremendous.’” [WVNS, 2/22/22]
The Inter-Mountain: State, congressional leaders hoping to bring hydrogen hub to West Virginia. “The West Virginia Hydrogen Hub Working Group held its first organizational meeting Friday. Last week, Gov. Jim Justice and three members of the state’s congressional delegation announced the creation of the working group. The working group includes U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, Shelley Moore Capito, and 1st District Congressman David McKinley — the three congressional leaders who voted in favor of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act last year.” [The Inter-Mountain, 2/28/22]
WISCONSIN
WQOW: PMI to build training center to bolster manufacturing workforce; Sen. Baldwin visits Bloomer. “The metal manufacturing industry needs more workers, and on Monday, Senator Tammy Baldwin visited Bloomer to learn how Chippewa Valley Technical College and a local metal manufacturer are trying to make that happen. Senator Baldwin paid a visit to PMI, Inc., or Processed Metals Innovators, in Bloomer. After having a roundtable discussion with local leaders and touring the facility, Baldwin talked about how the infrastructure bill, signed into law last year, will expand the types of materials that are to be sourced domestically.” [WQOW, 2/21/22]
Wis Politics: U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Visits Monroe to promote rebuilding infrastructure and support for small businesses. “Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin visited Monroe to hear about the city’s plan to replace lead pipes and discuss the Senator’s work to provide Wisconsin communities funding to rebuild water infrastructure. She also visited a local small business who benefitted from U.S. Economic Development Administration funding that was included in the CARES Act that Senator Baldwin voted for.” [Wis Politics, 2/25/22]
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