WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted in favor of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The infrastructure bill will create high paying jobs, and help to repair and improve Connecticut's highways, bridges, rail, public transportation, and water infrastructure. Additionally, it provides a five-year reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs.
The IIJA also includes resources to improve Connecticut ports, waterways, and high-speed internet access. The bill represents the largest reinvestment in America’s transportation infrastructure in more than two decades.
“My office has heard from thousands of constituents seeking substantial legislation to address the economy. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act delivers on these priorities by improving our infrastructure and creating millions of American jobs.” said Congresswoman Hayes. “I specifically fought to include funding for Connecticut in the form of $100 million designated for accessible and affordable broadband; $445 million to replace pipes and ensure safe drinking water; and $2.5 billion for electric school buses to support efforts to mitigate climate change. This legislation puts Americans to work on projects that will improve our communities in a meaningful way, and I look forward to the President signing it into law.”
Learn How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Supports Connecticut:
Roads and Bridges: Connecticut will receive about $3.5 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $561 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Connecticut 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.
Amtrak and Rail: This legislation is the largest investment in rail since the creation of Amtrak and positions rail to play a central role in our transportation and economic future. The bill invests $66 billion in additional rail funding to eliminate the Amtrak maintenance backlog and $30 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor.
Public Transportation and Electric Vehicles: Connecticut will receive about $1.3 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state. Connecticut would receive $53 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Connecticut will also be eligible to apply for $2.5 billion in funding for electric school buses – funding Congresswoman Hayes was integral in securing.
Internet Access: Connecticut will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including expanding access to at least 27,000 more Connecticut residents. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 654,000 or 18.7% of people in Connecticut will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
Climate Change, Cyber Attacks, and Extreme Weather Events: Connecticut will receive $6.4 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $13 million to protect against cyberattacks. From 2010 to 2020, Connecticut has experienced 15 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Connecticut will also benefit from the historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.
Safe Drinking Water: Connecticut will receive $445 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is available in all communities. Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and childcare centers lack safe drinking water.
Airports: Connecticut will receive approximately $62 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years. The United States built modern aviation, but our airports lag far behind our competitors.
To learn more about how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act impacts you, read the state and territory fact sheets that highlight the nationwide impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
###
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District. She was a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.
Website Newsletter Twitter Facebook Instagram YouTube