WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s been two years since President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Since November 2021, the legislation continues to disburse the $1.2 trillion that continue to fund road, bridge and other infrastructure repairs and new construction.
On Wednesday, Democratic Senators marked the occasion by highlighting some of the investments. To date, the BIL has funded over 40,000 specific projects and awards in more than 4,500 communities across the U.S. and its territories.
“Two years ago, people came together to get something done they have talked about forever,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow (D- MI).
Sen. Stabenow and her Democratic colleagues call it a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure.
“135,000 miles of roads are being improved,” said Stabenow. “It bodes well for rebuilding America in a cleaner way with wonderful, good paying jobs to go along with it and better health for our children as well.”
Of the 45,000 U.S. Bridges in poor condition, nearly 8,000 are currently being repaired with funds from the law.
“We see the impact almost on a weekly basis of new infrastructure, upgrading our infrastructure, bringing us in to this new century,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY). “We’re seeing our bridges fixed and we’re building new bridges. We’re improving our airports. I’ve seen that here in my city of New York and around my state,” Schumer added.
Thousands of projects are underway to improve ports, waterways, railways, broadband and even drinking water.
“This is one of the largest federal investments ever in water infrastructure aimed at eliminating lead pipes, lead service pipes, which have done such damage and injury to our great kids,” said Schumer. “Broadband is in necessity and we’ve treated it like one for the first time in decades by helping both people in rural areas and poor people who can’t afford it,” Schumer added.
Also included- $5 billion dollars for electric school buses to give students a cleaner ride to school. Climate advocates say the historic investments will increase clean transportation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance environmental justice.
“Every child deserves a clean ride to school. And thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re now $5 billion closer to this goal,” said Almeta Cooper, the National Manager of Health Equity for Moms Clean Air Force.
