WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered the advance of several major surface transportation infrastructure provisions he pushed to get included in a major budget package advanced this afternoon by a vote of the full House of Representatives.
“Each day we fail to act, the risks and costs of major infrastructure failures and shortfalls go up even as the needs of our communities and nation grow greater and more urgent,” Congressman Tonko said. “We must seize this opportunity to deliver on our promise and our duty to the American people by moving forward with bold, lasting investments that bring our communities together, restore our global competitiveness and build America back better than ever. We cannot let this once-in-a-generation opportunity go to waste. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to meet this moment with action that delivers for our communities.”
Funding in this package of provisions includes:
$61.9 billion for the Federal Highway Administration to improve the safety and long-term viability of our nation’s highway systems.
$1.2 billion for National Infrastructure Investments (RAISE/TIGER/BUILD), an increase of $200 million from fiscal year 2021, including $20 million for Transportation Planning Grants to assist areas of persistent poverty, $10 million above fiscal year 2021. An additional $100 million is included for a new grant program to spur Thriving Communities nationwide.
$4.1 billion for the Federal Railroad Administration to advance the safety and reliability of passenger and freight rail systems. This funding includes:
$625 million for the new Passenger Rail Improvement, Modernization, and Expansion (PRIME) grant program, to support projects that improve, expand, or establish passenger rail service.
$500 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program, $125 million above fiscal year 2021.
$2.7 billion for Amtrak, $700 million above fiscal year 2021, including $1.2 billion for Northeast Corridor Grants and $1.5 billion for National Network Grants.
$580 million for Transit Infrastructure Grants, to purchase more than 300 zero emission buses, 400 diesel buses, and to support transformative research for transit systems.
$300 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program, an increase of $70 million above fiscal year 2021 enacted level
