What The Infrastructure Bill Means to Us

by State Representative Joe Gresko (D)
121st District

Dear Neighbor,

Our country has been in desperate need for a modernization of our physical and digital infrastructure for several years. From the ravaging effects of climate change to more than 300 structurally deficient bridges right here in Connecticut, our infrastructure has been hit hard since the last major transportation bill was passed six years ago.

After years of delay and months of negotiations, Congress finally acted and passed a new $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which President Biden officially signed.

Below are some highlights of the legislation, including items which will provide direct assistance to Connecticut and our district.

Climate Change

• $79 million to help reduce our state’s carbon footprint
• $90 million to help protect our roads, railways, and airports from more extreme weather
• $106 million for the protection of Long Island Sound and its ecosystem
• $1 billion for coastal resiliency projects, which are meant to protect our state’s coast from rising sea levels and flooding brought on by climate change

Transportation

• $52.5 million for the installation of more electric vehicle charging stations
• $561 million to repair structurally deficient bridges
• $1.3 billion for improvements to modes of public transportation, such as buses and railways
• $30 billion for enhancements to the Northeast Rail corridor, which will seek to make significant improvements to travel times

Digital Infrastructure

•  $1.9 billion for the U.S. as a whole to boost our cybersecurity defenses
• $100 million to ensure all Connecticut residents have access to affordable high-speed internet

For a more detailed list of $5.38 billion in funding Connecticut will receive through this legislation (including an additional $100 billion in grants our state is eligible for), click:
https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2021/08-2021/Governor-Lamont-Applauds-Senate-Passage-of-Bipartisan-Infrastructure-Bill

I am extremely grateful to Connecticut’s federal delegation for their tremendous work in ensuring that our state receives a significant portion of the funds allocated in this legislation.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol at 800-842-8267 or email me at Joseph.Gresko@cga.ct.gov.