f it’s a day that ends in -y, then folks across the country are reading about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver for their communities. From fixing our roads and bridges, expanding high-speed internet access, securing clean drinking water, creating good-paying jobs, and so much more, President Biden’s infrastructure bill is still making headlines across America.
In case you missed it this week…
In Georgia: WFXG: Georgia Democrats visit Augusta to talk bipartisan infrastructure bill
State Senator Harold Jones was one of the state leaders present with local leaders Thursday’s press conference.
“Simply put, this is a once in a generation investment in Georgia’s economy,” he says. “Georgia will receive billions to repair our roads and highways, rebuild our bridges, expand broadband to almost a million Georgia residents.”
In Wisconsin: Sun Prairie Star: Guest Column: Federal infrastructure bill a winner for Wisconsin
IIJA is [a] strong bill that will benefit Wisconsin residents. And, in the end, that is what the job of elected officials is- to improve the lives of the people they represent.
It’s what I strive to do every day in my job, and I thank the federal Wisconsin Congresspeople who voted for IIJA- Representative Ron Kind, Representative Mark Pocan, Representative Gwen Moore, and Senator Tammy Baldwin.
In Arizona: Daily Independent: Tribes benefit big from infrastructure bill
These officials say the “historic” action will not only provide safety measures by replacing outdated infrastructure, but better access to high-speed internet will open up more possibilities for jobs.
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About a month prior to the tribal press conference that kicked off an Arizona Democrat’s “Build Back Arizona” press tour, Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which in part invests more than $13 billion into tribal communities across the nation. It also makes eligible tribal communities for billions more in much-needed investments, the White House says.
In South Carolina: Spartanburg Herald-Journal: What to know: $6 billion headed to South Carolina for transportation, other projects
Roughly $6 billion is headed to South Carolina from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law by President Biden.
From the new infrastructure law, South Carolina can expect to receive over the next five years:
► $4.9 billion in federal highway formula funding for highways and bridges.
► $113 million to reduce emissions.
► $128 million to upgrade the transportation system. Specific projects have not been identified.
► $1.25 billion to go directly to the DOT’s 10-year plan of priority projects statewide.
In Oregon: OPB: Oregon’s forest health and wildfire prevention efforts stand to gain from big federal spending bill
On Monday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown held a virtual roundtable event to discuss the effects of climate change in Oregon. Over the past 20 months, Oregon has experienced wildfires that have collectively burned more than 1.8 million acres and more than 4,000 homes. The state also experienced record-breaking heat waves that killed 116 people, including at least 3 people on the job — all while also dealing with a historic drought.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law last month by President Joe Biden, will steer roughly $5 billion into the state over the next five years. At least $39 million is to support wildfire risk reduction efforts that will include money for prescribed burning and forest thinning.
In Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: State receives $240 million for drinking water systems; New Kensington and others plan to tap funds
Local water authorities are expected to use the federal funding for an array of projects.
“We knew there was money for water in the infrastructure bill, and that made us very happy,” said James Matta, manager of the New Kensington water authority.
The authority serves 15,000 customers in New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell, Allegheny Township, Upper Burrell and part of Washington Township.
“When we receive grant money to improve infrastructure, we don’t have to pass the costs on to our customers,” he said.
