The Biden administration has allocated $830 million in grants to fund 80 projects aimed at strengthening the nation’s aging infrastructure against the impacts of climate change. These funds will be used to improve bridges, roads, ports, rail, transit, and other infrastructure in states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands, particularly those affected by extreme weather events caused by climate change. The money comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021 and supplements other funding already allocated to states for similar projects. President Joe Biden has prioritized climate resilience and adaptation, allocating over $50 billion towards climate-related projects through various laws.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to withstand the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. He cited examples such as wildfires in California impacting rail systems and flooding in New York City affecting the subway system. These incidents are becoming more severe as global temperatures continue to rise, with March setting a new monthly record for the 10th consecutive month. Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure that is resilient to the changing climate and its damaging effects on transportation systems across the country.
The grants will support a variety of projects in different locations across the country. For example, Golden, Colorado, will receive funding to control flooding in Lena Gulch, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will replace a crucial bridge for emergency services, and Kalamazoo, Michigan, will upgrade stormwater infrastructure. Additionally, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation will receive funds for a coastal management plan, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe will conduct a risk assessment of its transportation infrastructure. The grants are allocated in four forms, including planning grants, resilience improvement funds, community resilience and evacuation grants, and coastal infrastructure funding.
National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi emphasized the significance of these grants in responding to the impacts of climate change and enhancing community resilience. He highlighted the high return on investment for public dollars spent on climate-related infrastructure projects. The Biden administration’s focus on climate resilience and adaptation aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to address the negative effects of human-caused climate change. These initiatives aim to bolster the nation’s infrastructure and protect communities from the escalating impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising global temperatures.
The Associated Press climate solutions reporter, Alexa St. John, covered the announcement of the grants and highlighted the importance of these investments in addressing climate change. The Biden administration’s commitment to funding climate-related projects through laws such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change on infrastructure. The grants will support a wide range of projects across numerous states, helping to strengthen transportation systems and infrastructure in the face of climate challenges. Follow Alexa St. John for more updates on climate solutions and environmental coverage from the Associated Press.
