Stanton, Pelosi, Transportation and Infrastructure Chair, Join Mayors from Across the U.S. to Call for Bold Federal Infrastructure Investment

Press Release

Today, Rep. Greg Stanton joined House leaders and mayors from across the country to highlight the need for Congress to act boldly on infrastructure. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, of which Stanton is the only member from Arizona, will be taking up surface transportation reauthorization legislation in the coming weeks.

The former Phoenix mayor joined U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio, committee members and Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles; Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri; and Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond, Virginia in calling for strong federal investment in partnership with local leaders.

"A historic infrastructure investment helped Phoenix recover from the Great Recession stronger than ever--it changed the kinds of jobs we have in our region and put our economy on a new course. What's happening in Phoenix should be happening everywhere," said Stanton. "We can make that a reality if Congress steps up to the plate to pass bold, meaningful infrastructure investment. We need to be good partners to help mayors and cities leverage their own investments, transform their economies, and make America more competitive than ever before."

"Few understand the impact of rebuilding our infrastructure better than our Mayors," said Speaker Pelosi. "Right now, Mayors across the country are speaking out about the urgent need for the American Jobs Plan to create good-paying jobs and strengthen their communities. With their committed partnership and the tireless leadership of Chairman DeFazio, we will advance the historic investments in our infrastructure that we need to help our nation Build Back Better."

"As a former county commissioner, I strongly believe federal infrastructure investment is essential to help communities thrive. The right kind of investment mean good paying, local jobs fixing our roads and bridges. It means safer, more connected communities. It means better options to get around, including more reliable transit and trains, bike lanes, safe crosswalks, and ways to charge an electric vehicle," said Chair DeFazio. "That is why I am so excited join the chorus of mayors whose cities need a federal partner to achieve transformational change for the people we all serve. With the Biden-Harris administration making infrastructure a priority, this is our nation's opportunity to invest in a clean, green transportation system that will benefit generations to come."

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, America's infrastructure earned a grade of a C-, and Arizona received a grade of C in 2020. In addition, ASCE estimates that the gap in infrastructure investment stands at $2.6 trillion nationwide.

Source