For Immediate Release
Contact: Eddie Kurtz
[email protected]
Last night, our four Oregon Democrats in the United States House of Representatives joined with Oregon’s two Democratic Senators to help pass President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a once-in-a-generation investment in our communities. In response, Democratic Party of Oregon Chair Carla “KC” Hanson released the following statement:
“This is a very BIG deal for EVERY Oregonian. President Biden and Democrats have delivered! As he promised, the president is delivering results that will improve the lives of all Oregonians. He’s showing that the government can work for the American people. His Infrastructure Deal will create living-wage jobs, grow our economy, and make much-needed and critical improvements to Oregon roads and highways, bridges and transit, drinking water systems, broadband, and more.
“Thanks to President Biden and Congressional Democrats, Oregonians will benefit from dramatically improved infrastructure (details below). Across our state, from coast to frontier, Oregon workers, farmers, and small businesses will directly benefit from this tremendous investment in American communities.
“We also look forward to the imminent passage of the Build Back Better Act, which will further position Oregonians to succeed by investing deeply in programs that support our families, our kids, and their futures. This “human infrastructure” will support essential childcare and health care systems, and confront the Climate Crisis.
Based on funding formula alone, Oregon expects to receive the following from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:
- $3.4 billion to improve highways and $268 million for bridge replacement and repairs over five years.
- $747 million over five years to improve public transportation options across the state.
- $52 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in Oregon.
- A minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 136,600 Oregonians who currently lack it. (11% of Oregon households do not have an internet subscription, and 3.2% of Oregonians live in areas where, under the FCC’s benchmark, there is no broadband infrastructure.)
- $39 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $15 million to protect against cyberattacks. Oregonians will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families. (From 2010 to 2020, Oregon has experienced 12 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages.)
- $529 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.
- $211 million over five years to improve Oregon’s airports.
In addition, Oregonians are poised to benefit from:
- $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated to major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.
- $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging.
- 945,000 or 23% of people in Oregon will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
Details on the Oregon-specific benefits of the bill can be found here.
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