WEA's Transportation Committee had the opportunity to talk with the Oregon Department of Transportation's Senior Federal Affairs Advisor and Tribal Liaison Trevor Sleeman about Congress' recently passed infrastructure funding package.
Sleeman explained how Congress was due to reauthorize funds for basic transportation maintenance and improvement projects, but the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will stream even more money to the states.
Oregon is expecting to see $1 billion in added funds over the next five years for highways and special programs, which is a 38% increase in what it would normally receive.
Sleeman said public transit will have a boost to its funding by $200 million, a 35% increase.
The package also has more than $100 billion in grant funding opportunities for the nation's roads, transit, rail, airports, ports, and other modes.
He said in order to receive grants, they will need to be competitive and have compelling grant applications.
The funding also includes money for bridge replacements, electric vehicles (including buses), charging stations, resiliency, safety, bike, pedestrian, and broadband programs.
President Biden is expected to sign the bill on Monday.
To see the slide deck from Sleeman's presentation, click here.
