Infrastructure Bill to Benefit Cities, Towns and Villages

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law by President Biden this week, is an important down payment on rebuilding America’s infrastructure. Local leaders from across the country are weighing in to explain just what that means on the ground in their communities, from transportation to climate resiliency to fostering sustainable, long-term economic growth and job creation: 

“This bill makes it possible to provide clean water for many households in our area. This will raise the quality of life for those families.” – Mayor Lew Watson of Lincoln, AL

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a key plank in securing the future of the Port of Alaska — a critical regional port and national defense asset.” – Assemblymember Christopher Constant of Anchorage, AK

“In our City of San Leandro this infrastructure bill means free broadband for our entire city of San Leandro. It means maintaining our water drainage and sewer systems. It means safe roads for everyone. This will make San Leandro a safe and destined place for all.” – Vice Mayor Victor Aguilar Jr. of San Leandro, CA

“Congress’ bill will assist with road expansion projects in Miramar, which will not only refortify our infrastructure, but also provide job opportunities to our community. Let’s get back to work!” – Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne of Miramar, FL

“Congress’ infrastructure bill is a critical investment in our island home, providing for much needed repairs to our aging infrastructure, improvements to our public transit system, and building a more resilient city.” – Councilmember Brandon Elefante of Honolulu, HI

“The infrastructure bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make broadband available in urban and rural America. Those locked out of modern Internet access will be able to start businesses, engage in critical online skill development, and see their kids have reliable Internet to do homework. Finally, the pandemic has forced the country to embrace telehealth much sooner than many experts thought would happen. The broadband component of the bill will improve health care.” – Councilmember Jarrett K. Smith of Takoma Park, MD

“The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will give small cities like Altoona the ability to rebuild our roads, bridges and invest in other multimodal infrastructure elements that will enhance the quality of life for our residents, such as making our city more walkable and bikeable.” – Mayor Matt Pacifico of Altoona, PA

“With Congress’ passage of the IIJA, we can reduce poverty through family sustaining infrastructure jobs and invest in our cities by rebuilding facilities that provide our youth with life-saving alternatives to gun violence.”– Councilmember At-Large Derek Green of Philadelphia, PA

“The IIJA means we can address the backlog of rehabilitation needs of our aging roadways, deal with flooding issues due to heavy rainfall and replace sanitary sewers and utilities on Atherton, a major arterial for tourism, goods, and workers. Keep America moving!” – Councilwoman Katherine Yeaple of State College, PA

“From our experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, we’ve learned that we must increase our resiliency to disaster. Congress’ infrastructure bill will speed up community resilience efforts in Austin.” – Councilmember Leslie Pool of Austin, TX

“With these critical federal funds we can protect thousands of families and homes in Houston from flooding. We’re on borrowed time right now.” – Councilmember Abbie Kamin of Houston, TX

“Our historic city is growing quickly requiring both maintenance and expansion funding. The Infrastructure package will allow Vancouver to complete vital projects to improve safety, equity and resiliency for all our residents.” – Councilmember Ty Stober of Vancouver, WA

“Congress’ infrastructure bill will provide essential upgrades to Amtrak nation-wide.  In our neck of the woods, we will realize greater service and connectivity between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Chicago, and amongst the municipalities across the state.” – Alderman Robert J. Bauman of Milwaukee, WI