Page 2 - WILMAPCO Transporter - Spring 2022
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New Infrastructure Spending Bill to Result in Transformative Transportation Investment
President Biden recently signed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA provides $550 billion in new infrastructure spending above the current levels. Of that amount, $274 billion is allocated to transportation programs, and the bill provides an additional $567 billion in transportation funding over the next
The nearly 2,800-page bill will rebuild America’s roads, bridges, and rails; expand access to clean drinking water; ensure every American has access to high-speed internet; tackle the climate crisis; and advance environmental justice. The legislation is intended to strengthen supply chains by making long overdue improvements for ports, airports, rail, and roads.
In Delaware, according to the US Department of Transportation, there are 19 bridges and over 253 miles of highway in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased pays $456 per year in costs that result from driving on roads in need of repair. The IIJA is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system.
Delaware expects to receive approximately $1.4 billion over the the state’s current funding. Delaware also expects to receive approximately in funding to reduce transportation- related emissions, in addition to about $31 million to increase the resilience
of its transportation system. Delaware will also receive approximately $15 programs, which help states to improve driver behavior and reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle-related increase over previous transportation legislation (FAST Act).
Local governments will also be eligible to compete for $6 billion in funding for a new Safe Streets for All program, which will provide funding to advance “Vision Zero” plans and other improvements to reduce crashes and fatalities, especially for cyclists and pedestrians. Delaware will receive about $186 million to improve public transportation options across the state. transit funding levels.
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