With the $1 trillion infrastructure bill headed to President Biden’s desk after Congress passed the federal legislation over the weekend, funding will soon be allocated for a number of transportation projects throughout the country.
Every member of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation voted in support of the measure, which is commonly referred to as the bipartisan infrastructure bill (BIF). The legislation includes $110 billion for roads and bridges, $39 billion for public transit, $12.5 billion for electric vehicles and related infrastructure, $25 billion for airports, $55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure, $65 billion for broadband internet, $65 billion for the electric grid, and more.
Assemblyman Daniel Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex), Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, issued the following statement regarding the bill’s passage:
“The passage of this comprehensive bill represents a pivotal moment for America, as we finally give our infrastructure the proper consideration and funding it needs. The development, preservation and enhancement of our infrastructure affects every single person in this country.
“This legislation is also a big deal for New Jersey in particular. Over $12 billion will go towards building and improving our roads, bridges and transit, which will help advance projects such as the Gateway Tunnel under the Hudson River. We can also look forward to the electrification of our transportation sector, with further incentives for electric vehicles and charging stations.
“From easier commutes to more environmentally-friendly vehicles, this funding will be a game changer for New Jerseyans. We must and will work to maximize our state’s intake of these funds to ensure residents see safer, more reliable infrastructure over the coming years.
“I want to thank our entire Congressional delegation for supporting this critical legislation. The fact that both Democrats and Republicans voted in support of the measure goes to show the bipartisan nature of this bill and just how important it will be for our state – and our nation – as a whole.”