WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today marked the second anniversary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, commonly called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and highlighted the transformational investments the legislation has delivered for the Capital Region, state, and nation.
“For decades, our nation’s infrastructure was in dire straits, plagued by crumbling roads and bridges, lead pipes poisoning our children, and communities struggling without broadband, among other issues,” Congressman Tonko said. “After years of inaction, Congress came together to advance the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I was deeply proud to help advance this landmark legislation that addresses our most pressing infrastructure needs while creating countless good paying jobs and supporting a 21st century, clean economy. Two years after the enactment of this bill, transformational investments continue to flow into our region. This is the action the American people need, and I’ll continue pushing to deliver these investments to our communities.”
Tonko pushed for a number of key provisions advanced in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including monumental limo safety legislation that implements national reforms to ensure no tragedy like the devastating 2018 Schoharie limo crash ever happens again. He also drove investments in clean energy, ensuring clean drinking water, and delivering affordable, reliable internet to underserved communities.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments have already arrived in the Capital Region, including:
- $1.2 billion to update the 1,611 New York bridges in need of repair, including $21 million for the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) to rehabilitate and strengthen the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge.
- $318.3 million already delivered to New York airports, including $2 million to Albany International Airport, for rehabilitation of the sponsor-owned Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) including existing mechanical, electrical, and HVAC building systems.
- $100.7 million to date to build out a network of EV chargers across New York State.
- $664.6 million to deliver high-speed, affordable internet to New Yorkers through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD).
- $1 billion to improve New York’s water infrastructure, including providing clean, safe drinking water and removing lead pipes from NY homes and communities.
- $503.9 million allocated to New York for clean energy, energy efficiency, and power, including $289.7 million for weatherization.
While many projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are already benefiting NY-20 communities, dozens more — including the City of Schenectady’s Craig Street Rehabilitation, City of Cohoes Columbia Street Pedestrian Accessibility, and CDTA electric bus and charging infrastructure, to name just a few — are expected to break ground soon.
A summary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investments in New York is available here.