Here's 10 Things $1.2 Trillion Stimulus Bill Does For CT

Good Saturday morning Connecticut,

A weekend of sunshine and temperatures into the mid to upper 50s for daytime highs and around the freezing mark at night. Next Monday-Thursday features more sunshine and temperatures into the 60s. Our next chance for rain is Friday.

What does the just approved $1.2 trillion do specifically for Connecticut?

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., shared in a video 10 things that he says the bipartisan stimulus package does specifically for Connecticut.

1. $30 billion for the Northeast Rail corridor, which he said will "dramatically improve" how long it takes residents to get from New Haven to New York City.

2. $106 million to protect Long Island Sound, which includes protecting the water and cleaning up the coastline.

3. $489 million for the U.S. Coast Guard including building a new pier in New London where the U.S.S. Eagle will land, which he said will create numerous jobs, and revamping dorms for the academy.

4. $1 billion to protect Connecticut's vast coastline from larger, more reoccurring storms.

5. $53 million for electric charging stations, which will allow more residents to purchase electric cars since the stations will be more plentiful throughout the state.

6. $3.5 billion to improve CT's highways, including the redesign of I-84 and I-91 in Hartford.

7. $561 million for bridge repairs. 300 bridges in CT are currently listed as "structurally deficient."

8. $1.3 billion to improve public transportation in CT, which will add more buses, Murphy said.

9. $100 million for high-speed internet, which includes funds to help ensure everyone can afford high-speed internet.

10. Small manufacturers in CT can more easily apply for federal work first before it goes overseas as part of the bill.

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Reaction to the bill

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., said on social media that: "The bipartisan infrastructure deal has officially passed the House and Senate with support from both sides of the aisle.

"From the Gold Star Bridge, to the Enfield Train Platform, to projects like the Haddam Swing Bridge, the Old Saybrook Rail Bridge, the I-84/I-91 interchange in Hartford and more, eastern Connecticut has a lot of shovel-ready projects just waiting for work. This bill is going to help us get them done, and we're going to see it in action starting soon," Courtney said.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said she voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, historic legislation to create jobs, strengthen the economy, and revitalize crumbling infrastructure.

“After decades of disinvestment, we are finally making historic infrastructure investments that will create millions of good-paying jobs and shape our economy in a way that meets the moment,” said DeLauro. “The bipartisan infrastructure bill repairs crumbling roads and bridges, invests in public transit and rail, expands broadband, and secures clean drinking water all while creating millions of jobs, in Connecticut and across the country, that cannot be outsourced. I am particularly pleased that this legislation ensures that contracted workers will be protected and paid prevailing wages. With the passage of this bill, including a $1.63 billion increase for Connecticut over the most recent transportation bill and $30 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor, we are investing in a foundation for strong economic growth in Connecticut.”

DeLauro said she worked to secure critical funding for Connecticut including $5.38 billion over the next five years, a $1.63 billion increase over the most recent transportation bill enacted in 2015. The bill also provides a total of $100 billion in national competitive grants Connecticut can apply to receive including:

• $7.5 billion in RAISE grants for projects of local or regional significance
• $8 billion in CRISI Grants to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger rail
• $500 million in Reconnecting Communities grants for planning, design, demolition, and reconstruction of street grids or parks divided by transportation infrastructure
• $8 billion in Capital Investment grants for new and expanded high-capacity rail and bus service

In addition to the new investments in surface transportation, the bipartisan infrastructure bill will help close the digital gap and connect all Connecticut households to reliable high-speed internet, she said. Connecticut is expected to receive a minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, and many low-income Connecticut families will be eligible for discounted broadband service.

“This historic bill is about jobs, jobs, jobs,” DeLauro said. “It will boost Connecticut’s economy and help families across the country build a better, stronger America.”