Kildee Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to Rebuild Michigan Roads, Bridges and Water Systems

Statement

WASHINGTON--Congressman Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act--the largest investment in America's infrastructure and economic competitiveness in nearly a century. The bipartisan bill, supported by Democrats and Republicans, will provide much-needed federal funding for roads, bridges, public transit, rail and water infrastructure in mid-Michigan and across the country.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding for key policies Congressman Kildee has advocated for, including replacing lead service lines across the country, protecting America's drinking water from toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals, investing in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and funding to protect the Great Lakes.

"With this bipartisan infrastructure bill, President Biden and Democrats in Congress have delivered for Michigan," Congressman Kildee said. "For decades, our state's infrastructure has suffered from a lack of investment. This historic infrastructure bill will deliver tens of billions of dollars in much-needed investments to improve roads, repair bridges and replace lead pipes across Michigan. I have worked hard to ensure that this bill also includes investments to protect the Great Lakes, modernize the Soo Locks and expand electric vehicle charging stations across our state. Investments in infrastructure means good-paying jobs, and we are going to put Michiganders back to work to improve our roads, bridges and water systems."

According to the White House, with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the state of Michigan would expect to receive at least:

Roads, Highways and Bridges: $7.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Michigan can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.
Public Transit: $1 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state.
Ensuring Clean Water: $1.3 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.
Expansion of Electric Vehicles: $110 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Michigan will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.
Expanded Internet and Broadband: $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 398,000 Michiganders who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2,482,000 or 25% of people in Michigan will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
Improving Airports: $363 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.
Protecting the Great Lakes: $1 billion in the Great Lake Restoration Initiative, which would be the largest investment in the program's history.
Modernizing the Soo Locks: $11.65 billion for Army Corps of Engineers construction projects, which could be used to modernize the Soo Locks.
Combatting Climate Change: $23 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $24 million to protect against cyberattacks. Michiganders will also benefit from the bill's historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.

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