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  WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko and fellow House Democrats unveiled their new framework today for a five-year, $760 billion investment to repair and upgrade the nation’s critical infrastructure. The plan includes measures to clear the massive maintenance backlog, design safer streets, increase climate resiliency and put the U.S. on a path toward zero carbon pollution from transportation. In addition to these critical improvements, the framework would create an estimated 10 million new jobs and help communities around the country undertake transformative projects that are made to last. 

“Years of neglecting our nation’s infrastructure has left communities in disrepair and with few options to address crumbling transportation systems, water systems, insufficient internet access and so much more,” Congressman Tonko said. “Developing practical, effective solutions to fix and upgrade these declining systems will put them on solid footing for decades to come and establish millions of good-paying jobs that boost our national economy in the process. Our plan gives state and local governments the resources they need to address these critical infrastructure projects. I am proud to support this vital framework and look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to advance this roadmap that will build America’s infrastructure of the future.”

The most recent Infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers gives U.S. infrastructure a grade of D+.

The House Democratic proposal includes Tonko legislative priorities including funding for drinking water infrastructure, Weatherization Assistance Program, EPA’s Brownfields Program as well as his bill H.R. 1328, the ACCESS BROADBAND Act to improve coordination and community access to federal broadband resources. The infrastructure framework also outlines a number of major investments including repairs and upgrades to surface transportation, rail and transit systems, airports, ports and harbors, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, brownfields and broadband. 

The House Democrats’ infrastructure framework

• Brings existing infrastructure into a state of good repair and enables the completion of critical projects through long-term, sustainable funding.
• Sets a path toward zero carbon pollution from the transportation sector, creating jobs, protecting our natural resources, promoting environmental justice and increasing resiliency to climate change
• Ensures a transportation system that is green, affordable, reliable, efficient and provides access to jobs
• Provides safe, clean and affordable water and wastewater services
• Prioritizes the safety of the traveling public
• Helps combat climate change by creating good-paying jobs in clean energy, investing in energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas pollution
• Expands broadband internet access, adoption for unserved and underserved rural, suburban and urban communities
• Modernizes 9-1-1 public safety networks
• Creates family-wage jobs with Davis-Bacon and other strong worker protections
• Supports U.S. industries, including steel and manufacturing, through strong Buy America protections
  

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