U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced that the U.S. Senate passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan bill that will invest in the nation’s infrastructure and create good-paying jobs. This bill will make the single-largest investment in the Great Lakes, fix our roads and bridges, expand high-speed internet, invest in electric vehicles, and create jobs.
“There is so much in this infrastructure bill that is good for Michigan. It starts with the single-largest investment in the Great Lakes, a key part of our Michigan way of life. Additionally, this bill finally makes the investments we need to fix our roads, replace lead pipes and tackle our spotty internet service. It’s going to create jobs and strengthen our Buy American laws to ensure that American tax dollars are spent on American products and services. Bottom line: this bill is a win for Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides investments in key areas outlined below:
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Soo Locks
The bill includes $1 billion in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative — the single-largest investment in the program’s history. Authored by Senator Stabenow in 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a successful program that fights invasive species, cleans up pollution and protects our Great Lakes for future generations.
The bill also provides important funds that can be used to continue modernizing the Soo Locks.
Shoreline Erosion along the Great Lakes
This bill will help people in Michigan who have lost their homes or had their business impacted by shoreline erosion. The bill will support local governments in mitigating the impact of rising water levels and coastal erosion.
Roads, Highways and Bridges
The bill provides new funding to fix our highways, roads and bridges. Over the next five years, the bill gives Michigan approximately a 31% increase in federal funds to rebuild our roads and bridges.
Make It in America
The bill includes Senator Stabenow’s Make It in America Act to strengthen our Buy American laws to ensure that American tax dollars are spent on American products and services.
The bill creates a new “Made in America Office” within the Office of Management and Budget charged with reviewing waivers to the Buy American Act and ensuring compliance with other Buy American laws. It also gives small- and medium-sized American manufacturers more opportunities to provide products for federally funded transportation projects.
Electric Vehicles
The bill will build charging stations across the country so it‘s easier for Americans to drive the great electric vehicles being made in Michigan.
Water Infrastructure
This bill will replace lead pipes across the country to protect the health of Americans and the safety of our communities.
The bill also protects America’s drinking water from the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.
High-Speed Internet
The bill invests in high–speed internet connections, including in small towns and rural communities. This funding will help people connect to healthcare, do their school work, run their small business or farm, and more.
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