Casten Joins President Biden at the White House for Signing of Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL) voted for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will rebuild American roads and bridges, expand access to clean water, and bring significant back to Illinois to drive job creation and economic growth. Including $9.8 billion for federal-aid highway appointed programs and $1.4 billion for bridge replacement and repairs for Illinois alone.
"The bill we passed today provides Illinoisans with improved roads, bridges, airports, and railways," said Rep. Sean Casten. "Not only will the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act fix the potholes in our roads and make it easier to get to work, but it will create jobs and grow our economy. I'm proud that this bill invests billions of dollars into revitalizing Illinois' infrastructure. It's a good day for America."
"I'm proud I was able to secure funding to help decarbonize our economy including over $505 million for clean energy battery storage to help increase the reliability and resilience of the electrical system and $500 million for the research and development in low-carbon industrial technologies," continued Casten.
"Now that we've passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act, we must move forward in passing President Biden's Build Back Better plan to deliver the largest investments to combat climate change in American history and the most transformational investments to expand access to affordable child care and health care in generations–all while lowering taxes for Illinois families."
Within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Illinois is set to receive the following significant upgrades to public infrastructure:
- Repairs to 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.
- Improvements to healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans. Illinoisans who take public transportation spend an extra 68.3% of their time commuting and non-White households are 1.9 times more likely to commute via public transportation. 21% of trains and other transit vehicles in the state are past useful life. Illinois should expect to receive $4.0 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state.
- Strengthening of broadband internet access, which 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. Illinois will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the 228,000 Illinoisans who currently lack it. 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.
More specifically, this will include the following investments:
- $9.8 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.4 billion for bridge replacement and repairs over five years. Illinois can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of additional national funding dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.
- $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.
- $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.
- $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.
- Airports in Illinois would receive approximately $616 million for infrastructure development over five years.
You can find the Infrastructure and Jobs Act Illinois Fact Sheet here.
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