FridayMusings agrees with Congresswoman Haley Stevens
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will improve
life for millions of Michiganders
Friday was an exciting day! The House voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, making historic investments in our country.
For too long, Michigan's infrastructure has suffered from an extreme lack of investment; our roads are crumbling, water pipes are bursting, and power lines are easily downed by heavy winds. Our state will receive $8.97 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make much-needed improvements throughout Michigan. This bill will invest in:
Roads and Bridges Fixing our roads and bridges is one of the top concerns that I hear from you all. In Michigan, there are 1,219 bridges and over 7,300 miles of highway in poor condition and, on average, Michigan drivers are spending $644 per year in repair costs due to driving on these roads and bridges. Michigan will receive $7.3 billion for federal highway programs and $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs over the next 5 years.
Public Transportation It is absolutely crucial that we have high-quality public transportation that serves everyone. Michiganders spend an extra 67.7% of their time commuting, and 17% of transit vehicles in our state are worn out. Michigan will receive $1 billion over the next 5 years to improve public transportation across the state.
Electric Vehicles Auto manufacturers in Michigan know that electric vehicles are the future. However, the current US share of the EV market is only ⅓ of China’s. Michigan will receive $110 million over the next five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network. This investment in innovation will keep America competitive on the world stage as Michigan leads the way in EV manufacturing.
Clean Drinking Water This week, Novi, Walled Lake, and Commerce Township residents had to boil their water to safely consume it. This is unacceptable. To ensure that communities across our state have clean and safe drinking water, Michigan will receive $1.3 billion over five years to make updates to our water infrastructure.
Extreme Weather From 2010 to 2020, Michigan experienced 19 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages. Michigan will receive $23 million to protect against wildfires over the next 5 years and $3.5 billion to mitigate flood and high wind damage.
Airports Our airports lag far behind our worldwide competitors. Michigan will receive $363 million for our airports over the next five years to address maintenance and repair backlogs, and to reduce congestion and emissions.
Broadband Internet access is a necessity for every American - to do our jobs, participate in school, and stay connected in the modern world. Yet, 14% of Michigan households don’t have an internet subscription, and 4% of Michiganders live in areas with no broadband coverage. Michigan will receive $100 million to help provide internet access to at least 398,000 Michiganders who currently lack it, and 2,482,000 people in our state will become eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will improve life for millions of Michiganders, create good-paying union jobs, and boost economic growth. I am thrilled that this historic legislation is on the way to the president’s desk for signature, and that our community will get the help it needs. Let’s get shovels in the ground!
Stay safe and healthy. We are all in this together, and I will not stop fighting for you.
