This year’s Infrastructure Week has been different from the past as the Biden-Harris Administration has kicked off the week by highlighting the various investments and projects from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and American Rescue Plan. Nearly $454 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced, with over 56,000 projects and awards across all 50 states, Washington, DC, U.S. territories, and tribal governments. These investments are aimed at making communities stronger and more prepared for the future.
Improvements have been completed or are underway on over 165,000 miles of roads, nearly 9,400 bridges, 450 ports and waterways, and over 300 airport terminals. These upgrades are intended to connect communities, strengthen supply chains, reduce costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increase manufacturing jobs. Additionally, over 4,100 projects have been launched to help communities build resilience against threats such as climate change and cyberattacks. This includes removing hazardous materials from land and funding high-speed internet infrastructure in multiple counties.
Several critical infrastructure projects that are long overdue are underway, such as the repair and modernization of the aging Hudson Tunnel between New York and New Jersey. The tunnel, which serves 200,000 passengers a day and was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, is receiving $11 billion for rehabilitation and expansion. In Michigan, the modernization and expansion project for the Soo Locks is underway to ensure the continuous flow of critical goods like iron and steel across the Great Lakes system.
In Arizona, the Gila River Indian Community has initiated a project to alleviate the ongoing drought in the Colorado River Basin by building a pipeline to bring reclaimed water to the community. This water will then be used to water over 70,000 acres of crops through water-efficient canals. These infrastructure projects are crucial for the economy and society, with the Soo Locks closure costing the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion for just six months. The projects will ensure the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure for future generations.
It is important to recognize the significance of sound infrastructure as it is the backbone of a strong society and economy. Every administration should prioritise infrastructure development to ensure the long-term prosperity and resilience of communities. The current investments in infrastructure are set to benefit communities for years to come, connecting regions and improving the overall well-being and economic growth of the nation. Participating in Infrastructure Week highlights the importance of infrastructure development for the future.
