$1.2T Senate Infrastructure Bill Includes Billions For Washington

SEATTLE — A $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that passed the Senate with bipartisan support this week could bring billions in federal aid to Washington, pending final approval in the House. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell both released statements after the bill's passage and highlighted some of the major areas of investment for Washington.

"This bill represents a historic generational investment in our infrastructure—it will be the single largest investment in bridge repair since we built the interstate highway system, and the largest investment in public transit and clean energy transmission in history," Murray said. "Washington state families will see the direct benefits of these investments: our kids will breathe clean air to and from school, rural communities will finally have access to reliable high-speed internet, and we are going to put folks from every part of the state to work with good-paying jobs by building out our infrastructure—repairing our bridges, building electric vehicle charging stations, replacing lead pipes, and everything in between."

Here are some of the highlights for Washington identified by Murray and Cantwell:

• Roads: $110 billion for repairing and rebuilding roads, bridges, and major projects. Based on formula funding alone, Washington state would expect to receive $4.7 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs, and be eligible for additional funds as well.
• Bridges: $40 billion for bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, which is the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Based on formula funding alone, Washington state would expect to receive $605 million for bridge replacement and repairs, and be eligible for additional funds as well.
• EPA Estuary Programs: The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a network of organizations that protects and restores 28 estuaries around the country, including the Puget Sound and Columbia River Basin.
  • $89 million for the Puget Sound Geographic Program
  • $79 million for the Columbia River Basin Geographic Program
  • $132 million for the National Estuary Program
• Transit: This funding will greatly benefit transit agencies by helping to address their maintenance backlogs, capital needs, and electrification of their fleets. For example, the funding provided to Sound Transit could help the agency keep its light rail expansion projects to Everett and Tacoma on track. $89.9 billion has been allocated in the bill to improve transit for millions of Americans.
  • $39.15 billion in new funding for public transit, including $1.79 billion for Washington.
  • $4.75 billion for state of good repair grants to support maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation projects.
  • $8 billion for the Capital Investment Grant program, which has funded large transit projects like Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail and its extensions to Lynnwood, Federal Way, and the Eastside.
• Internet Access: $65 billion to ensure every American has access to reliable high-speed internet. Washington state will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 241,000 people in the state who currently lack it.
• Airports: The bill provides a projected $384.7 million in airport infrastructure grants to Washington airports. The top Washington recipients include:
  • Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) ($228 million)
  • Spokane International (GEG) ($32 million)
  • Tri-Cities (PSC) ($16.7 million)
  • Snohomish County (Paine Field) (PAE) ($16 million)
  • Bellingham International (BLI) ($13.7 million)
  • Boeing Field/King County International (BFI) ($6.8 million)
  • Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW) ($5.2 million)
  • Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field (YKM) ($5.2 million)
  • Pangborn Memorial Wenatchee (EAT) ($5.2 million)
  • Walla Walla Regional (ALW) ($5.1 million)
  • Friday Harbor (FHR) ($5 million)
• Read more on Cantwell's website.

As the New York Times reports, final passage of the bill is pending in the House, where progressive leadership, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, is withholding support until guarantees are secured on a larger spending package.