Governor Tom Wolf has shared an overview of the improvements Pennsylvania anticipates getting through the passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
According to a press release from the Official Pennsylvania Government website, Wolf said the package will support economic growth and infrastructure enhancements. “This comprehensive package will provide critical federal funding to Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, support economic growth throughout the commonwealth, and provide stable, good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians.”
Congress passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, delivering on a major pillar of President Joe Biden’s agenda.
The legislation will deliver $550 billion of new federal investments in America’s infrastructure over five years, including money for roads, bridges, mass transit, rail, airports, ports and waterways. The package includes a $65 billion investment in improving the nation’s broadband infrastructure, and invests tens of billions of dollars in improving the electric grid and water systems. Another $7.5 billion would go to building a nationwide network of plug-in electric vehicle chargers.
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Based on historical formula funding, the White House anticipates Pennsylvania receiving the following infrastructure improvements with federal funding:
Roads and bridges
Pennsylvania would expect to receive $11.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.6 billion for bridge replacement and repairs. This priority will have a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
Transportation
For the improvement of public transportation options across the Commonwealth will receive $2.8 billion over five years.
Electronic vehicles
Pennsylvania expects to receive $171 million over five years to support the expansion of a a network of electronic vehicle (EV) chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options.
Reliable high-speed internet
The estate will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage, including providing access to the at least 394,000 Pennsylvanians who currently lack coverage. Additionally, 23 percent of residents will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
Climate change
$49 million over five years will be directed to protect against wildfires and $26 million to protect against cyber-attacks. Pennsylvanians will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.
Drinking water
$1.4 billion will be invested to improve water infrastructure and ensure clean, safe drinking water throughout the commonwealth.
Airports
Pennsylvania’s airports expect to receive $355 million for infrastructure improvements.
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“These critical investments, along with state-level solutions, will help close Pennsylvania’s growing transportation funding gap, connect Pennsylvanians to opportunities and each other, and move our commonwealth forward,” said. Gov. Wolf. “I look forward to the benefits this historic investment will provide in modernizing our infrastructure for the future of Pennsylvania.”
Wolf applauded Congress on passing President Joe Biden’s comprehensive infrastructure plan. “I applaud President Joe Biden’s commitment to prioritizing infrastructure,a commitment I share for our Commonwealth, and the bipartisan Congressional actions to pass this legislation, which will strengthen our infrastructure, our economy, our environment, and our country”, the Democratic governor stated.
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