Hastings Introduces the Build American Act of 2021 Legislation to Strengthen and Expand Infrastructure Grant Programs

Press Release

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after introducing the Build America Act of 2021, legislation that will strengthen and expand two existing infrastructure grant programs to invest approximately $10 billion in infrastructure improvements annually. It will be established by the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a national infrastructure investment program for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure. Joining Hastings as an original co-sponsor include: Representative Jahana Hayes. (Please find attached a copy of the legislation):

"I am pleased to begin the 117th Congress by introducing the Build America Act of 2021. This bill will significantly expand funding for two merit-based infrastructure grant programs, paving the way for billions of dollars of investments nationwide every year. These programs have been utilized by communities across the country for years, allowing them to more easily address their most pressing infrastructure needs. My bill gives these programs the resources they need to ensure every state can get the assistance they need to invest in roads, bridges, tunnels, ports, and public transportation." Hastings said. "Each program requires matching funds from those seeking assistance, making them smart and effective avenues for leveraging federal funding to make a real impact across the country. I look forward to working with my colleagues to safeguard these avenues for funding so that we can start making the investments in infrastructure our country so desperately needs."

BILL SUMMARY:

The Build America Act of 2021 removes the Capital Investment Grant Program (CIG), also known as New Starts/Small Starts, and the BUILD Grant Program, formerly known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant Program, or TIGER Grants, from the annual appropriations process. The bill reestablishes them as mandatory programs with permanently expanded funding. Funds made available will carry out the program as discretionary grants to be awarded to a State, local government, or transit agency, or a collaboration among such entities, on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area or a region.

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Dean and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.

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