This week, local leaders from across the country, including tribal nation leaders, mayors, and state party chairs, are continuing to tout the many benefits of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including repairing and rebuilding the nation’s roads and bridges while strengthening resilience to climate change and creating good-paying, union jobs. As Kenya Johns, mayor-elect of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania put it, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure law is “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build 21st-century infrastructure systems.”
Here’s a look at how local Democrats are continuing to talk directly to voters about President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law this week:
In Pennsylvania:
Beaver County Times: Kenya Johns: President Biden’s Infrastructure Law huge win for Beaver Falls
The new bill, signed into law by Biden, presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build 21st-century infrastructure systems that will change our region for the better. At the local and municipal levels — we deeply understand the importance of this moment. We understand what value this offers to our area and all of the wonderful things that will emerge simply based on our geography. Our rich history and role we have played regarding transportation are unparalleled.
In Wisconsin:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin will soon receive nearly $143 million for water infrastructure to address lead, ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
MADISON – Wisconsin is set to receive nearly $143 million to rebuild the state’s water infrastructure and address harmful lead and “forever chemical” contaminations across the state — a first installment from the newly passed federal infrastructure bill that includes hundreds of millions more in the coming years.
The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden in mid-November provides billions of dollars for the nation’s roads, bridges, ports and power lines, in addition to water infrastructure.
In New Hampshire:
NHPR: Buttigieg visits Manchester to talk passenger rail and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Manchester on Monday to talk about the future of passenger rail in New Hampshire and promote the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Whether it’s a new rail proposal or the next grant project that comes along, infrastructure will be so important to the future of this community and this region,” Buttigieg said.
At a press conference, he reviewed the funds New Hampshire would receive, including $1.4 billion to improve roads and bridges and $126 million to improve public transportation, among other provisions.
In Nevada:
KTNV: Federal, state, local officials highlight impact of infrastructure bill on water loss in Las Vegas
From Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to Southern Nevada Water Authority’s John Ensminger, the consensus was clear: Federal infrastructure is critical to solving the continued loss of water in the Colorado River and Lake Mead.
“We’re really racing against time to find common-sense solutions,” said Democratic U.S. Rep. Susie Lee.
Lee said the infrastructure bill would send $403 million to Nevada alone for water conservation efforts as part of an $8.3 billion investment into the whole country.
In Arizona:
Arizona Mirror: Infrastructure bill means big things for Indian Country
Infrastructure issues have plagued tribal communities for decades, and with federal funding finally coming into Indian Country from the the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, many Arizona tribal leaders are looking forward to what that means for their communities.
“Infrastructure needs differ among Arizona tribes, but the one thing all Arizona tribes have in common is that throughout this pandemic, we were battling decades, decades of underfunding that left our tribal communities extremely vulnerable during this time,” Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis said at a press conference Friday. “With this funding, we now have the ability to shore up our immediate infrastructure needs and begin to put long-term solutions in place.”
In Ohio:
The Vindicator: Youngstown labor leaders praise infrastructure bill
Valley labor and state Democratic Party leaders on Friday celebrated passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and discussed what it means for communities like Youngstown.
They said the legislation will create good-paying jobs and rebuild Ohio’s crumbling infrastructure.
Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters and Youngstown workers participated in the Building Ohio Together Tour, organized by the Ohio Democratic Party and For Our Future Ohio.
The bipartisan bill, they said, will create good-paying jobs and help Ohio businesses grow by investing in roads, bridges, public transit, water pipes and high-speed internet. This, they noted, will help communities like Youngstown compete on a global stage.
