The massive, tortured $1 trillion infrastructure bill that Congress finally approved late Friday will bring billions of dollars in federal spending to Connecticut on railroads, highways and bridges, while also expanding internet access and creating a statewide network of electric vehicle charging stations.
President Joe Biden on Saturday called the package a “monumental step forward for the nation.”
“Finally, infrastructure week,” a beaming Biden told reporters. “I’m so happy to say that: infrastructure week.”
The House passed the measure 228-206 late Friday, prompting prolonged cheers from the relieved Democratic side of the chamber. Thirteen Republicans, mostly moderates, supported the legislation while six of the Democrats’ farthest left members — including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri — opposed it.
Connecticut’s all-Democratic Congressional delegation was effusive in praising passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, even after weeks of divisive and bitter infighting among liberal and moderate members of Congress. A much larger $1.75 trillion spending plan remains mired in debate and could be voted on before Thanksgiving.
Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th, said the bill “will provide almost $5.4 billion to the state of Connecticut and will create more than $100 billion in competitive grant programs for which organizations across the state will be eligible to apply.”
Although the bill does not include specific funding to repair and rebuild the I-84/I-91 interchange in Hartford, Rep. John Larson said Connecticut will now be able to push forward on the project and “achieve a 50-year goal of recapturing the riverfront.”
Connecticut’s two senators said thousands of jobs would be created to help rebuild and expand infrastructure in Connecticut and the United States.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the bill “a gigantic breakthrough” that will open up funding for public works projects across Connecticut. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said it was “the biggest bipartisan investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history.”
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd, said the legislation is about “jobs, jobs, jobs.”
“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,” she said.
The bill includes an infusion in funding for:
Railroads
The bill provides $30 billion for the Northeast rail corridor. The money will fund maintenance and upgrades to Connecticut rail infrastructure, including repair of major bridges and station upgrades.
Bridge replacement and repairs
Connecticut will receive $561 million for bridge replacement and repairs over five years. Connecticut will also be eligible to compete for a portion of the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program and the $16 billion set aside by the legislation for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.
Connecticut has an estimated 248 bridges and more than 2,100 miles of highway that are in poor condition.
Highways
Connecticut is expected to receive $3.5 billion for highway programs.
Charging stations for electric vehicles
The legislation provides $53 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network.
Expanding broadband
About 12% of Connecticut households do not have an internet subscription. Connecticut will receive at least $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state. Under this legislation, 654,000 people in Connecticut will also be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Benefit, which was created to help low-income families afford internet access.
Public transit
The new act provides $1.3 billion over five years to improve public transportation options.
Safe drinking water
Over the next five years, Connecticut is expected to receive $445 million to improve water infrastructure across the state.
Long Island Sound
More than $100 million will go toward protecting the Long Island Sound watershed. This will fund local projects to improve water quality and restore shoreline habitats.
Airports
Connecticut airports would receive approximately $62 million for infrastructure development over five years. The bill also provides $6 million to upgrade City Pier in New London.
A report from the Associated Press was included in this story.
Rick Green may be reached at rbgreen@courant.com.
