CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ AND COMMERCE SECRETARY TOUT BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

Press Release

On Monday, November 15, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) attended the signing of H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The $1.2 trillion dollar legislation is the largest investment into the nation's infrastructure in history and will bring $1 billion to every congressional district to rebuild and modernize roads, bridges, drainage systems, broadband and more.

Texas received a C- from the American Society of Civil Engineers on its infrastructure report card. The passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill will address those problems with an estimated $35 billion invested directly into the state.

Of the $35 million allocated over 5 years:

· $26.9 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs

· $3.3 billion to improve public transportation options

· $2.9 billion to improve water infrastructure

· $1.2 billion to update airports

· $537 million for bridge replacement and repairs

· $3.5 billion into weatherization to address for energy costs and infrastructure

· $100 million for broadband coverage

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has also apportioned $42 million to protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks. The amount allocated by state has not been released yet.

"For decades we have driven over roads and bridges built before our parents' time, we have dealt with failing dams, lack of internet access, and unclean drinking water," said Congressman Gonzalez. "Now that we've enacted the bipartisan infrastructure bill, students won't have to sit in a fast-food restaurant to access Wi-Fi for homework, our communities can drive on roads without potholes, and South Texas can update our drainage systems to address persistent flooding. I am proud to have voted for this bill and I look forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring to our nation."

"I want to thank Representative Gonzalez for his hard work passing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. For too long we've neglected investments in critical areas that directly impact American workers, American businesses and American families. One of the many historic investments in this bill is the effort to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Americans have access to reliable, affordable broadband. Broadband is not a luxury, it's a necessity. Thanks to President Biden's vision and the Congressman's tireless effort to get this passed, we can now bring affordable broadband to every community in Texas." - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo

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