Commerce Democrats Highlight Historic Investments in Our Nation’s Infrastructure

WASHINGTON STATE

Sen. Cantwell secured funding to replace the I-5 Bridge

Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell has secured a total of $2.1 billion from the Cantwell-authored Mega Program and the Bridge Investment Program in the BIL to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge in Southwest Washington. The I-5 Bridge is a crucial linchpin in both the regional and national economy and plays a vital role in transporting freight along the I-5 corridor. According to the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, an average of 131,747 vehicles crossed the bridge each weekday in 2021. Despite the bridge's importance, it's rated the worst truck bottleneck in Washington and the fifth worst on the West Coast, with seven to 10 hours of congestion during the morning and evening commute periods.

"Washingtonians are seeing many benefits from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, from a new passenger terminal at Spokane International Airport, to helping replace the outdated I-5 bridge, to billions in new energy grid upgrades, to restoring salmon habitat, to major new port investments that will boost exports and local jobs. All these historic infrastructure investments are making our economy stronger and more resilient, and should be continued regardless of the change in Administration," said Sen. Cantwell.

WISCONSIN & MINNESOTA

Sens. Baldwin and Klobuchar secured funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge

Earlier this year, Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Amy Klobuchar announced more than $1.05 billion in funding to replace the aging Blatnik Bridge connecting Superior, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota. The more than 60-year-old bridge is a vital connection between the two states, with over 33,000 vehicles passing through daily and 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods annually. The bridge received funding from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program (INFRA) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"This is what delivering for Wisconsin looks like. I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring federal resources back to Wisconsin, and now we are seeing the results pay off. I have been pushing the Biden Administration at every turn to fund this project because a new Blatnik Bridge is critical for our economy, safety, and way of life," said Sen. Baldwin. "With this investment, we can ensure that billions of dollars' worth of products can get to market efficiently, families can get to work on time, and millions of travelers get to their destinations safely."

"For over 60 years, the Blatnik Bridge has connected commuters, businesses, and communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but it's in serious need of a replacement," said Sen. Klobuchar. "The significant federal grant we secured for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project will bolster safety and reliability for the thousands of people who use this bridge every day."

NEVADA

Sen. Rosen secured funding to build historic high-speed rail line

Sen. Rosen has secured $3 billion to begin construction of the Brightline West high-speed rail system in Las Vegas. This project will connect Las Vegas and Southern California, which will help bolster Southern Nevada's tourism economy and reduce congestion on the Interstate-15 corridor. Brightline West estimates it will remove 3 million cars from I-15 annually, reducing more than 400,000 tons of carbon emissions each year, and creating 35,000 good-paying, union jobs.

"This historic high-speed rail project will be a game changer for Nevada's tourism economy and transportation. It'll bring more visitors to our state, reduce traffic on the I-15, create thousands of good paying jobs, and decrease carbon emissions, all while relying on local union labor," said Sen. Rosen. "For decades, Nevadans have heard about the benefits of high-speed rail, and I'm proud to have led the charge for months to push the U.S. Department of Transportation to secure critical funding to make this a reality. I'll always fight to support Nevada's tourism economy and create good-paying, union jobs."

MICHIGAN

Sen. Peters secured funding to replace the Lafayette Avenue Bridge

Sen. Peters, Chair of the Committee's Surface Transportation Subcommittee, championed $73 million in funding through the Bridge Investment Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace the 85-year-old Lafayette Avenue Bridge in Bay City, Michigan. The Lafayette Avenue Bridge is a critical linchpin to the transportation network and economy of Michigan's Bay Region but has undergone increasing repairs and closures in recent years that have impacted local residents and businesses. The project will also create a shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path along the new bridge to promote local recreation.

ILLINOIS

Sen. Duckworth secured funding to upgrade O'Hare International Airport's Terminal 3

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Chair of the Committee's Aviation Subcommittee, garnered $90 million in Airport Terminal Program grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support modernizing Terminal 3 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The project is designed to overhaul everything from security checkpoints and baggage claim, while adding amenities and more accessibility. In April, Sen. Duckworth attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

NEW MEXICO

Sen. Luján secured funding to eliminate railroad crossings

Sen. Ben Ray Luján announced more than $31 million from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strengthen infrastructure at Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County by creating a vehicle overpass at the Industrial Avenue and the Union Pacific Railroad line. The crossing sees 40 trains per day, and the project will benefit vehicular mobility in the area to reduce congestion and delays for accessing the nearby industrial parks. This project demonstrates that BIL dollars are not only strengthening our infrastructure, but also creating new economic opportunities by building up our land ports of entry.

"The Santa Teresa Region is central to trade and transporting goods, and it's crucial that we reduce congestion to continue to accelerate New Mexico's economic growth," said Sen. Luján. "That's why I'm proud to welcome these federal investments to Doña Ana County to build an overpass to minimize traffic. This Railroad Crossing Elimination Program will also improve infrastructure and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians passing through our state's southern corridor."

MASSACHUSETTS

Sen. Markey secured funding to make the West-East rail a reality

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Sen. Edward Markey delivered $147 million through the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program for track and signal improvements between Worcester and Springfield, making West-East Rail a reality. The funding will help provide safe and efficient rail service between Western, Central, and Eastern Massachusetts and connect regional economies in Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester and Boston. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is ushering in generational change to our transportation infrastructure, from Boston to the Berkshires, and it's clear the Biden-Harris administration recognizes the benefits of West-East rail.

"From Boston to Springfield to Pittsfield, railways serve as an essential and green mode of transportation-connecting our Commonwealth and our communities," said Sen. Markey. "As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I will continue to advocate for safer, more expansive railway infrastructure to make sure our Commonwealth's trains stay on track."

COLORADO

Sen. Hickenlooper secured funding to speed up construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit

Earlier this year, Sen. Hickenlooper championed $90 million in new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to speed up construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC). The AVC is a planned 130-mile water-delivery system from the Pueblo Reservoir to nearly 40 rural communities and 50,000 Coloradans throughout the Arkansas River Valley in Southeast Colorado. Many communities in the Arkansas River Valley rely entirely on groundwater and several face water contamination from naturally-occurring radioactive elements. This funding helps speed up construction that will connect communities with clean drinking water. As a result of his efforts, the senator previously helped deliver $250 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the AVC, including $100 million in 2023 and $60 million in 2022.

"We broke ground on the Arkansas Valley Conduit to finally deliver clean drinking water to Southeast Colorado," said Sen. Hickenlooper. "Now, more Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments like this one will speed up the timeline."

VERMONT

Sen. Welch secured funding for Amtrak station improvements

This summer, Sen. Welch celebrated the start of construction for platform upgrades and improvements to the new Brattleboro Station, which will include the state's first-ever level, accessible platform. Customers will no longer require steps to get on or off a train. It will have a new electric snow melt system, lighting, railings, detectable warning edge and signage. The new station will include a waiting room with seating and additional standing room, a new ADA-accessible single-occupant restroom and a covered, outdoor waiting area with benches.

"Everyone deserves to have a safe, comfortable, accessible experience while riding on Amtrak. I'm thrilled to see funds we helped pass through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provide the Brattleboro station with important improvements to enhance passenger experience for all travelers," said Sen. Welch. "This project will transform the Brattleboro rail station and marks a major investment in getting Vermont-and America-back on track."

HAWAII

Sen. Schatz secured funding to improve roads, sidewalks, traffic lights in Hawai'i

Over the summer, Sen. Brian Schatz announced more than $42.5 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants to support improvements to roads, sidewalks and infrastructure in Hilo and Honolulu. In Hilo, the funding will be used to reconstruct Bayfront Highway and Waianuenue Avenue to allow for a roundabout, ADA-compliant sidewalks and roadway crossings, new highway lighting, pedestrian signals and traffic management devices. In Honolulu, the funding will be used to add an additional lane and execute a complete street redesign of a 1.5-mile segment of Salt Lake Boulevard near the newly opened Halawa Rail Station. This is the final segment of a project started in the 1970s, and as such acts as a traffic bottleneck for the corridor.

"This new federal funding will help make streets in Hilo and Honolulu safer for everyone - drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians," said Sen. Schatz.

GEORGIA

Sen. Warnock secured funding for airport infrastructure upgrades

This summer, Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock secured $38 million in funding for infrastructure upgrades at airports across Georgia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Airport Infrastructure Grants program. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport received approximately $30 million for infrastructure upgrades including terminal improvements, taxiway rehabilitation and expanded apron space. The Columbus and Athens Airports received more than $800,000 to acquire an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle to support operations and promote safety, and the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport received more than $800,000 for hangar construction.

"Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation. That's why I've fought tirelessly to bolster federal support for our airports since I came to the Senate, including in the recently passed FAA reauthorization law I was proud to champion," said Sen. Reverend Warnock. "Senator Ossoff and I are going to keep working to take Georgia's aviation economy to new heights."

MONTANA

Sen. Tester secured funding to improve Montana's Amtrak service

Sen. Tester secured $14.9 million in funding to upgrade rail infrastructure in and around Malta along the Empire Builder route. The funding will help with final design and construction of various track, bridge, signal and other rail infrastructure improvements on BNSF tracks near Malta. The improved infrastructure will eliminate bottlenecks in the area that have previously caused delays and operational conflicts for freight and passenger trains.

ARIZONA

Sen. Sinema secured funding for updates to Phoenix Airport

Over the summer, Sen. Sinema announced a $36 million investment in airport terminal upgrades at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Airport Terminal Program. The airport will use the funding to replace equipment used for cooling Terminal 4's main building, eight concourses and connector bridges, among other crucial modernization projects.