ICYMI: Local, State, and Federal Leaders Celebrate Biden-Harris Administration’s $1.8 Billion Investment in American Infrastructure Projects, Funded by USDOT RAISE Grants

Washington - Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $1.8 billion in awards from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 148 projects across the country. Funding is split equally between urban and rural areas, and a large percentage of grants support regions that been historically overlooked or underinvested in.

RAISE is a keystone program of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, rebuilding and repairing critical infrastructure using American-made materials and spurring historic levels of private sector investment in regions around the country. Investing in key transportation infrastructure initiatives through programs like RAISE is growing the economy from the middle out and bottom up, lowering costs for families, and creating good-paying, union jobs for American workers in their home communities.

The RAISE program is one of several competitive grant programs providing funding to communities across the country under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, across the Biden-Harris Administration, more than $450 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced to more than 57,000 projects in all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories.

Leaders from across the country praised last week's announcement. Here's what they're saying:

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell on the Limaburg Road Complete Streets Project:

"I was proud to work with community leaders in Boone County to secure this RAISE grant and to help the Boone County Fiscal Court upgrade Limaburg Road, a key corridor adjoining CVG that promises to spur new economic opportunities throughout the region. Projects like this are exactly why I supported the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which dedicates resources to overhauling our roadways and improving traffic safety in cities across the country."

Mayfield Mayor Kathy O'Nan on the Rebuild Downtown Mayfield Project:

"Two and a half years ago the people of Mayfield were told by President Biden that we would not be forgotten by the federal government in our quest to rebuild after the tornado of December 10, 2021, destroyed so much in the heart of our community. The award of this RAISE grant is a monumental part of the fulfillment of that promise; every level of government has done exactly what they said they would do. We are truly Mayfield Strong - but not without the help that this opportunity brings - and we are most grateful."

Maine Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree on the East Deering: Pathways to Bridge the Gap Project:

"East Deering is an iconic Portland neighborhood that boasts historic residences and beautiful coastline views. As the neighborhood continues to grow, modern infrastructure improvements will be critical to improving community connectivity. This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help revitalize East Deering, making it more accessible and safe for those who call it home."

Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb on the Cuhyahoga Greenways: East Side Trails Project:

"These trail projects connect residents in underserved areas to a multitude of resources while advancing planning initiatives like Complete & Green Streets, the Cleveland Climate Action Plan and Vision Zero. We are grateful to President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg and all the partners involved for this opportunity to make our neighborhoods safer, healthier and more resilient."

Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper on nearly $63 million for infrastructure projects in the state:

"From Akron to Towaoc to Greeley, our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering the funding our communities need to update infrastructure that's key to economic growth. Improved roads, better trails, and expanded mobility hubs will help us build a safer, more connected Colorado."

Timothy J. Greene, Sr, Chairman of the Makah Tribe on the Neah Bay Multi-Use Barge Loading Facility Project:

"One of the greatest transportation challenges faced by the Makah Tribe is supply chain interruption caused by frequent closures of SR112. Interruptions impact every facet of day-to-day life for our members from off-Reservation medical care, fuel supply, consumable products, medicine, and waste disposal. The RAISE 2024 funding ($1.3M) will be used for planning, market analysis, feasibility study, engineering, design and permitting of the MBLF. The Makah Tribe is grateful to the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that will provide this funding."

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman on the Reconnecting the Allegheny Riverfront to Economic Opportunity Project:

"This federal funding is a massive win for the people of Sharpsburg. This project will allow the community to turn a blighted former rail yard into an engine for economic revitalization, and the benefits will be felt for generations. Securing this level of funding for a smaller community like Sharpsburg is no small feat - I'm grateful to the Biden Administration, who in our conversations understood the need for these infrastructure investments so that communities like this have a fair shot at a new future."

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens on the Westside Park Multimodal Access Project:

"We are enthusiastic about what this means for one of our fastest-growing neighborhoods. By delivering over 3.1 miles of multimodal improvements in and around Westside Park, we will be able to promote more convenient transportation options for all, while creating a vibrant urban environment."

California Senator Alex Padilla on over $65 million for infrastructure projects in the state:

"From Sacramento County to San Diego, this critical funding up and down the state will make our roadways safer, help thousands of passengers get where they need to go, and keep our supply chain moving. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for California communities, driving historic investments in local and regional transportation infrastructure projects to make critical rail tracks and roadways safer and more accessible."

New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. on the Intermodal Transportation Building Project:

"This is an extremely important project because it will help reduce congestion going to and from New York City and provide thousands of people in the region a more convenient way to commute. This new facility will bolster economic opportunities in Carteret and the surrounding area, acting as a vital hub for economic activity for the city. And it will be held up as a model for other communities looking to offer cleaner and better-connected modes of transportation for their municipalities."

Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy for Rails to Trails, on the impact of RAISE grants:

"With each round of federal infrastructure grants, we continue to see an influx of projects that close gaps in trail and active transportation systems to create new connections and mobility options for people across the country. These are the investments that make communities function better for everyone-necessary improvements that local leaders are championing and Congress is celebrating."

Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell on the Moving Fairfield Forward Project & RAISE York Study:

"Today marks a major step forward in our fight to eliminate blocked railroad crossing and provide safer and more accessible transportation systems in Alabama's 7th Congressional District! I was so proud to help the City of York and the City of Fairfield secure this $14 million to make our communities more walkable, bikeable, and livable. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration, Secretary Buttigieg, and Federal Railroad Administrator Bose for making these transformational investments as we bring more resources and better opportunities to our communities here in Alabama's 7th Congressional District."

Jessica Mefford-Miller, CEO of Valley Metro, Arizona on the Valley Metro Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension Project:

"Valley Metro, in partnership with the cities of Tempe and Mesa and our federal elected leadership, is thrilled to continue to have the USDOT at our side as we expand streetcar into the East Valley with the 2024 RAISE grant. The nearly $16 million award will help advance the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Extension into engineering as we seek to add travel options, create safer streets and improve air quality and connectivity in a corridor rich with diverse neighborhoods, activity centers and extensive growth."

Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor on the Pathways to Palmetto Complete Streets Project:

"Infrastructure investments are making our streets safer, rebuilding ports, and investing in neighborhoods to make them more resilient to flooding. The Investing in America agenda lowers costs and creates safer communities across the country. Palmetto Beach neighbors who enjoy a rich history also deserve a neighborhood with safer streets, sidewalks that are ADA-compliant, and protection from flooding."

Greeley Mayor John Gates on the Mobility Enhancements for Regional Growth and Equity Project:

"Thank you to the USDOT for awarding $21 million in RAISE grant funding to improve traffic safety and mobility in our fast-growing community and North Front Range Region. These funds will be used to construct new interchanges on US Highway 34 at 35th and 47th Avenues to reduce crashes, eliminate congestion, and deliver improvements to regional air quality and equity goals."

Washington Congressman Rick Larsen on the Interstate 5, 4th Street, and 88th Street NE Corridor Improvements Project:

"Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Tulalip Tribes has the funding it needs to make significant improvements at these crossings to ensure all road users can safely travel to and from the Tulalip Reservation, Quil Ceda Village, and communities in Snohomish County and along the I-5 corridor."

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