Historic Jobs and Infrastructure Act Poised to Deliver

We can expect 1.5 million jobs a year, new roads, clean water and a wider internet

​President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris delivered this week on an important promise to make historic investments in American infrastructure that will take steps to mitigate generations of disparity and neglect.

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed Congress this week, a bit less than we had hoped for, will nevertheless create millions of new jobs and represent the largest one time investment in American infrastructure in our nation’s history.

For communities of color, the bill will provide money to redress long-term disparities in transportation, neighborhood segregation, clean water and internet access.

This is what Pennsylvanians can expect from the plan:

PUBLIC TRANSIT in PA – Pennsylvania is expected to receive $2.8 billion over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state.

SEPTA – $120 million added to its already budgeted $300 million and more certainty about its funding for the next five years which will raise its federal aid to more than $500 million.  SEPTA can also compete for additional funds to refurbish stations for accessibility as well as money available for major projects like extending rail service to King of Prussia.

Highways – Based on formula funding alone, Pennsylvania would expect to receive $11.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.6 billion for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Pennsylvania 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.

The bill also sets aside $1 billion to reconnect urban neighborhoods separated by highway construction over the generations.

High Speed Internet – Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pennsylvania will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 394,000 Pennsylvanians who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2,917,000 or 23% of people in Pennsylvania will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.

Clean Drinking Water projects – $1.4 billion
Airports – $355 million
Wildfire protection – $49 million
Cybersecurity – $26 million

For more details on the plan’s Pennsylvania benefits, click here.  To see the overall bill summary, click here.