ICYMI: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $1.5 Billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for 26 Transportation Projects Nationwide
Last week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg traveled to Detroit, Michigan to announce that the Biden-Harris Administration has awarded over $1.5 billion from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program for infrastructure projects that will make the nation’s transportation systems safer and more resilient, eliminate supply chain bottlenecks, reconnect communities, and improve freight movements.
The Secretary visited Detroit to highlight one of the projects receiving an INFRA award, that will allow Michigan’s DOT — working with the City of Detroit — to move forward with a project to transform I-375 from a sunken highway that divides Detroit neighborhoods into a boulevard that will reconnect and also help save the City and State money on maintenance.
At the event Secretary Buttigieg said:
“The purpose of transportation is to connect. But we have seen examples in many communities, including here, where an infrastructure decision serves to divide. And we raise this issue not to wallow in it but to challenge ourselves to do something about it. And now we are putting our money where our mouth is.” [Read his full remarks here].
Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, funding for the INFRA program increased more than 50% this year. Over the next five years, the infrastructure law will provide approximately $8 billion for the INFRA program, including the $1.5 billion made available in this round of funding.
See below for coverage of the announcement, including what local leaders have to say about how their awards will help make life better for residents in their communities.
More information about the INFRA program can be found at: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/infra-grants-program
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Media Coverage
National Coverage
Associated Press: Buttigieg awards grant to tear down divisive Detroit highway
“This stretch of I-375 cuts like a gash through the neighborhood, one of many examples I have seen in communities across the country where a piece of infrastructure has become a barrier,” Buttigieg told The Associated Press
Washington Post: Detroit wins grant to remove interstate that wrecked a Black community
“They very intentionally wiped out that whole district and laid the freeway in a way that displaced thousands of people,” [Detroit Mayor Mike] Duggan said. “What we’d like is to knit the community back together.”
Axios: I-375 gets a Buttigieg boost
Reuters: Detroit highway to become boulevard to address wrongs to Black communities
People: Detroit Is Removing a Freeway That Displaced Two Thriving Black Neighborhoods in the 1950s
State/Local Coverage
PBS Arizona: Flagstaff gets $32.5 million in latest release of infrastructure act funds
“The Downtown Mile is an initiative that will improve public safety and transportation in such a beautiful, rapidly growing city in our district, addressing flood control issues and climate change mitigation in the process,” said Arizona State Representative Tom O’Halleran.
FOX 5 (San Diego, CA): White House delivers $150 million for new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry
“This is the missing link to our financial package,” said Maria Rodriguez, project development program manager for the San Diego Association of Governments.
The Denver Post: CDOT wins $100 million federal grant for I-70 makeover from Floyd Hill to Idaho Springs
Tampa Bay Times: Florida Department of Transportation secures $15 million in federal funds for I-4 improvements
“The project will also play a pivotal role in Florida’s weather-related resiliency plan as it will serve as a staging area for fuel and supplies during natural disasters,” said Kris Carson, regional spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation.
Spectrum News (Tampa, FL): Millions of dollars coming to Tampa Bay projects in infrastructure bill
Messenger-Inquirer: GRADD receives $17.3M federal grant for bridge rehab
“The Rockport Railroad Bridge has been a longstanding issue in our area, impacting Kentucky’s entire freight transportation network,” said Joanna Shake, the executive director of GRADD. “We are excited to see this bridge project move forward and bring future economic development to our region.”
Baton Rouge Proud: North Baton Rouge expansion project receives millions from federal government
“It’s definitely going to bring a sense of pride that is greatly needed in North Baton Rouge,” said April Hawthorne, executive director of the Baton Rouge North Economic Development District.
Mainebiz: $77.1M in road improvements on tap for Aroostook and Washington counties
“Both of these projects will have a significant impact on rural Maine communities for generations to come,” said Bruce Van Note, commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation.
MLive: Michigan lands $105M federal grant to remove Detroit’s I-375
“This is a day the Detroit community has been waiting for for a long time,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said of I-375. “I’ve been advocating for six years to fill in this ditch and knit the city back together.”
NBC News Rochester: $25 million grant awarded to further Austin I-90 bridge project
“Investments in our infrastructure serve as down payments on the long-term economic well-being of our state,” said U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Bring Me The News Minnesota: Federal grant awarded to reconstruct last remaining two-lane segment of Highway 212
“To say it’s a vital connection between outstate Minnesota and the metro is an understatement,” stated Carver County Commissioner Gayle Degler. “Undertaking this project expands access to employment, increases economic competitiveness and facilitates future development opportunities across the County and the region.”
Nevada Appeal: Washoe County to get $88.9 million for U.S. 395 work
Kristina Swallow, head of the Nevada Department of Transportation, said the projects will add critical capacity to U.S. 395 and install cutting-edge traffic safety technology including new sidewalks and bike lanes to the North Virginia Street corridor.
NJ.com: $26M federal grant will raise N.J. roadway that’s prone to flooding
“Route 7 is as an important artery connecting our largest counties. But the roadway suffers from flood events, disrupting the commutes of too many travelers,” [Congressman Bill] Pascrell said. “The injection of $26 million will get construction going now.”
NBC News (Santa Teresa, NM): Multi-million award to benefit border highway connector
New York Daily News: Infrastructure bill nets $110M for Hunts Point Market in Bronx
“Revitalization of the market will support food infrastructure while also creating union new jobs, reducing emissions, and increasing food security,” said U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres
The Gaston Gazette: Feds gives $100 million for I-85 widening, electric vehicle chargers, bike lanes
“Strengthening infrastructure and making transportation safe, clean and more resilient will build a stronger North Carolina,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper
WXIX-FOX (Cincinnati, OH): Western Hills Viaduct replacement fully funded with $127 million grant
“This project is going to change the face of our city for a generation,” Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said Friday. “Reconnecting our neighborhoods to the jobs and everyday destinations they depend on is essential to our growth as a city that works for everyone.”
Pennsylvania Business Report: USDOT awards $49M infrastructure grant to Port of Philadelphia
The Newport Daily News: Newport Pell Bridge awarded ‘enormous federal grant.’ This is what that money will do.
“My feet aren’t quite touching the ground right now. I mean, we’re very excited,” said Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Executive Director Lori Silveria.
Freight Waves: Truck parking expansion wins DOT funding grants
Texas Border Business: $25 Million Anzalduas Bridge Expansion
“This grant confirms what we have always preached about this project: its significance goes much beyond our region. It is a project that impacts the entire State of Texas and the United States.” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E.
Komo News: North Seattle’s Salmon Bay Bridge to receive $25 million in funding for repairs
“This grant is an innovative solution to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of this bridge, which is crucial to ensuring our economy can thrive and our people move,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers.
