MILWAUKEE, WI – This weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a more than $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The following is the statement of County Executive David Crowley on the bill’s passage and its historic investments in traditional infrastructure:

“The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is a monumental step forward for America and will have a huge impact on the residents of Milwaukee County. This bill makes good on long delayed investments in our nation’s infrastructure, including once-in-a-generation investments in the clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs while combating climate change and advancing environmental justice.

“These are important investments in equity that will help Milwaukee County bridge the gap in health disparities and support our efforts to give Milwaukee County residents every opportunity to be healthy, to thrive in their neighborhoods, and ultimately be successful. The bill supports the County’s strategic plan to make investments in equity by sending an historic amount of dollars to communities that have traditionally been underserved and left behind. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill isn’t solely focused on fixing our roads and bridges. The plan thinks outside the box of traditional infrastructure implementation and seeks to use infrastructure investments to redress past inequities, advance racial equity, and give marginalized voices a seat at the table.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal struck this weekend makes investments in healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans by modernizing and expanding transit and rail networks across the country. It also invests $17 billion in port infrastructure and $25 billion in airports to address repair and maintenance backlogs, reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports, and drive electrification and other low-carbon technologies. In addition, it will invest in water infrastructure and eliminate lead service pipes, including in historically disadvantaged communities that need it most.

“These historic investments will help get Milwaukee County residents back to work at good-paying, family-supporting jobs and set up the next generation for success through opportunities to enter skilled trades positions. I applaud Congress on the passage of such critical legislation and urge our leaders in Washington to now continue to deliver on behalf of American working families and pass the rest of the President’s Build Back Better agenda.”

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