LANSING — The Michigan Democratic Party released the following statement on behalf of Chair Lavora Barnes regarding today’s passage of the $1T Infrastructure Bill.
“Today, on President Biden’s 203rd day in office the Senate Democratic caucus passed historic infrastructure legislation. Infrastructure has bedeviled previous administrations – despite near-weekly promises – and some of the loudest voices in the Republican party campaigned against this agreement, but President Biden, along with Senators Peters and Stabenow delivered where others had failed.
For decades, infrastructure in Michigan has suffered from a systemic lack of investment. In fact, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Michigan a D+ grade on its infrastructure report card. The historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will make life better for millions of Michigan residents, create a generation of good-paying union jobs and economic growth, and position the United States to win the 21st century.”
Specifically, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:
- Based on formula funding alone, Michigan would expect to receive $7.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Michigan 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.
- Based on formula funding alone, Michigan would expect to receive $1 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state.
- Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Michigan would expect to receive $110 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Michigan will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.
- Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Michigan will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 398,000 Michiganders who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2,482,000 or 25% of people in Michigan will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet.
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