What CA Will Get From Biden's Infrastructure Bill

CALIFORNIA — President Joe Biden signed a bill Monday that will help the Golden State rebuild aging roadways, expand access to the internet, mitigate wildfires and revamp public transportation.

Congress approved the long-anticipated bipartisan infrastructure bill on Nov. 5. The Golden State was expected to reap some $45.5 million of the bill's $1.2 trillion in funding.

"President Biden understands the need to build a climate-resilient future, and the infrastructure package passed by Congress builds on California’s unprecedented investments to maintain and modernize the state," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement..

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave California a C- grade on its infrastructure report card, according to the White House.

"For decades, infrastructure in California has suffered from a systemic lack of investment," White House officials said in a statement.

The anticipated work and new chunk of funding was expected to create more union jobs in the state and to stimulate the economy as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

Here's what the infrastructure bill was expected to deliver to California.

1. Repair Roads And Bridges

The initiative seeks to fix the state's 1,536 bridges and 12,220 miles of highway that are in "poor condition," according to the White House. The state anticipated some $25.3 billion to fund road projects and another $4.2 billion to replace or repair bridges.

2. Bolster Access To The Internet

Federal officials said the bill would fork over some $100 million for the state to connect 545,000 residents in need to broadband internet service.

"Broadband internet is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected," White House officials said.

About 27 percent of Californians would be eligible to receive internet help.

3. Deliver Drinking Water To All

The Golden State would get $3.5 billion over the next five years to improve the quality of drinking water and eliminate lead pipes. Nationwide, some 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and child care centers lacked safe drinking water, the White House said.

4. Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The bill was expected to deliver $384 million over the next five years to the state to grow a network of charging stations for electric vehicles.

5. Improve Public Transportation

The state's beleaguered public transportation system may finally receive the upgrade it needs. Fewer than 5 percent of commuters in the state rely on public transpiration to get to work, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

California was expected to receive $9.45 billion over five years to improve modes of public transportation across the state.

6. Mitigate Climate Change, Cyberattacks

From 2010 to 2020, the state experienced 16 extreme weather events, which cost California up to $100 billion in damages, the White House said.

The infrastructure bill was expected to deliver $84 million over five years to protect against wildfires and another $40 million to mitigate cyberattacks.

California was also expected to receive an additional $3.5 billion in weatherization aid to help reduce energy costs for households.

7. Upgrade Airports

Over five years, the Golden State was expected to receive $1.5 billion to bolster airport infrastructure across the state.

I’m delighted that President Biden has signed this historic bipartisan infrastructure legislation into law. This is a huge win for everyone across the country. See how this bill will benefit Californians: pic.twitter.com/JSBQBDzLTX
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) November 15, 2021