WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, May 16, leaders from the nation’s leading city, county, and state organizations kicked off Infrastructure Week (May 16-20) by sharing how game-changing federal investments in infrastructure are benefiting communities across the country.
Local leaders know the needs of their communities better than anyone and are ready to invest in infrastructure that makes a difference at home. Six months after the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), officials at the state and local level are celebrating this historic investment and sharing the local perspective on infrastructure funding. IIJA includes $1.2 trillion — $550 billion newly appropriated — worth of investments to help rebuild and strengthen the infrastructure that keeps Americans and our economy moving.
“America’s cities, states, and counties are applying and planning for these historic funds to come to their communities. The BIL is an investment in our future – using it is an opportunity for every community to fulfill the promise of their cities and their people.”
- Mayor Vince Williams, Union City, Georgia; President, National League of Cities (NLC).
“Mayors were proud to help lead the fight for passage of the bipartisan infrastructure act. The mayors are the ones who will see it through and get it done. This plan is about more than just roads and bridges. It provides a comprehensive approach and allows us to be creative, innovative and to think through the lens of equity. But more importantly, it allows us to leverage the federal dollar against the local dollar as well as the state dollar. And that’s what we’re doing in the city of New Orleans. We are maximizing this opportunity to improve the overall quality of life in our community. We know that when the government invests big, the payoff is huge. The time for these investments is now. I know we have a partner in President Biden, and he has partners on the ground in us as mayors.”
- Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans, Louisiana; Infrastructure Law Implementation Task Force Co-Chair, United States Conference of Mayors (USCM).
“As states fund and oversee much of the nation’s interconnected infrastructure systems, we know the importance of funding certainty for our country’s infrastructure. State legislators are grateful for the partnership with the federal government and the large investment that the bipartisan infrastructure package represents.”
- House Speaker Scott Saiki, Hawaii; President, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
“From significantly increasing transportation funding, to creating new resources for broadband, to expanding pre-hazard mitigation activities, to ensuring the continued support of rural communities, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents a generational opportunity for state and local governments.”
- Commissioner Larry Johnson, DeKalb County, Georgia; President, National Association of Counties (NACo).
“Every state, county and city and town in the country will benefit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. Those funds, combined with American Rescue Plan funds will not only provide resources to upgrade and maintain the nations aging infrastructure, but will make economic investments into our economy. In Moorpark, we have been able to leverage ARPA funds to commence construction the decades old Princeton Avenue project that provides a critical link between to north Moorpark.
The project will enhance mobility and safety by providing turning lanes, bicycle lanes and sidewalks for pedestrians. Our community, like many communities, has vital projects that not only enhance transportation for our local residents but enhance interconnectivity throughout the region.”
- City Manager Troy Brown, Moorpark, California; President, International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.