The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed in 2021 to rebuild roads, bridges, and rails, expand access to clean energy, and improve broadband internet. The act will provide $1.2 trillion in funding over the next eight years, making it the most significant investment in infrastructure in decades.
The act will create millions of jobs across the country, both through the construction of new infrastructure and the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure. These jobs will provide a boost to local economies and will help to reduce unemployment rates.
One of the key areas of focus for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is improving the safety and reliability of the country's natural gas distribution infrastructure. The act provides grant money to help repair and replace leak-prone infrastructure, reducing the risk of explosions and other hazards.
The grant money will also fund improvements to the country's drinking water infrastructure, including the removal of lead pipes. This will help to ensure that communities have access to clean drinking water, reducing the risk of health problems caused by contaminated water.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is also designed to improve transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and rails. This will help to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, and make it easier for people to get where they need to go.
The act also includes funding for clean energy infrastructure, such as wind and solar power. This will help to reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels and will help to combat climate change.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has received bipartisan support, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the need for investment in the country's infrastructure. President Biden signed the act into law on November 15, 2021.
The act has already started to have an impact, with communities across the country receiving funding for infrastructure improvements. The Michigan Department of Transportation, for example, has launched a newsletter to help local governments stay up-to-date on the latest Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act grants.
Witnesses at a recent hearing of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit discussed the impact of the act on transportation infrastructure. One witness, Mr. Marc D. Williams, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation, spoke about the importance of funding for rural infrastructure projects.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has praised the act for its focus on rural infrastructure. He has also highlighted the importance of funding for broadband internet, which will help to connect rural communities to the rest of the country.
Overall, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is poised to have a significant impact on the country's infrastructure and economy. It will create jobs, improve safety, and help to combat climate change, making it a vital piece of legislation for the future of the country.
