Underwood Supports Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; Historic Investment Will Drive Economic Growth in Illinois Communities

Statement

Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) supported the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) in the House of Representatives, which will now head to the President's desk for signature. The historic job creation legislation invests in modernizing America's highways, roads, bridges, transit, rail, and water and broadband infrastructure. The legislation will accelerate the country's economic recovery.

Recently released state-level data demonstrates the monumental impact this legislation will have on Illinois. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois a C- grade on its 2021 infrastructure report card. The historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will impact millions of Illinois residents and invest several billion dollars in the state.

"For decades, infrastructure in Illinois has suffered a systemic lack of investment. Through this historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we will rebuild our aging transportation and water infrastructure and extend reliable broadband to all communities while creating millions of good-paying jobs to put Illinoisians' to work," said Underwood. "I'm proud to secure this historic investment in jobs and infrastructure modernization that will accelerate economic growth and keep Illinois and America competitive for the future. Infrastructure is more than just roads and bridges--it's an investment in families, businesses, our economy, and our future--and it's an investment that pays off."

A fact sheet on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment can be found here.

In Illinois, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:

* Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians: In Illinois there are 2,374 bridges and over 6,218 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 7.3% in Illinois and on average, each driver pays $609 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Based on formula funding alone, Illinois would expect to receive $9.8 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.4 billion for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Illinois 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.

* Build a network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options: Illinois would expect to receive $149 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Illinois will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.

* Help connect every Illinoisans to reliable high-speed internet: Broadband internet is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. Yet 14% of Illinois households do not have an internet subscription. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Illinois will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 228,000 Illinoisans who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2,926,000 or 23% of people in Illinois will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

* Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyberattacks, and extreme weather events: From 2010 to 2020, Illinois has experienced 48 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $50 billion in damages. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on historical formula funding levels, Illinois will expect to receive $27 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $22 million to protect against cyberattacks. Illinoisans will also benefit from the bill's historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.

* Deliver clean drinking water: Based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Illinois will expect to receive $1.7 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.

* Improve airports: Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, airports in Illinois would receive approximately $616 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.

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