LOC News
$1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Package Passes Congress
Late last Friday night the U.S. House of Representatives cleared the path with a 228-206 vote in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a generational investment in core infrastructure that has largely been ignored since the construction of the nation’s interstate highway system in the 1950s. This $1.2 trillion package represents a five-year investment, including: $550 billion in new revenue to help refresh transportation infrastructure; expansion of broadband; and investments in the energy grid, bridges, ports and airports. By comparison, the 1956 National Interstate and Defense Highways Act authorized the expenditure of $25 billion for 41,000 miles of interstate highways construction.
The expected distribution for Oregon includes the following:
- $3.4 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $268 million for bridge replacements and repairs;
- $747 million over five years to improve public transportation options;
- $529 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities;
- $211 million to support infrastructure development for Oregon airports;
- $52 million over five years to support the expansion of EV charging stations across the state, along with the opportunity to apply for $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging;
- $100 million minimum to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 13,600 Oregonians who currently lack it. Under the IIJA, 23% of Oregonians or 945,000 people will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access; and
- $39 million over five years to protect against wildfires, and $15 million to protect against cyberattacks.
Oregon Representative Peter Defazio has been a staunch supporter of re-investing in communities and spent much of his career pushing for federal reinvestment into the nation’s infrastructure. Representative Defazio’s leadership and ability to build support in Congress have put Oregon and the country in a great place for future investment.
The LOC will be working with several state agencies to learn more about how the funding will flow to cities and projects. State agencies like the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Broadband Office will receive direct allocations of federal money. We will also be engaging with key legislative leadership to learn more about their perspectives and priorities. Funding distribution to the states will be a combination of existing formula, grant processes and direct distributions. The LOC will learn more about the details of this process as the National League of Cities unpacks the legislation. Stay tuned for more information as it develops.
Contact: Jim McCauley Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 11/12/21