The much anticipated trillion-dollar federal infrastructure bill has now been signed by President Biden. Under the bill, Washington and Oregon are projected to receive billions in funds:
Washington:
- $228 million for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, $16 million for Paine Field, and $6.8 million to King County International Airport-Boeing Field.
- $2.5 billion for Washington State Ferries.
- High-capacity transit should see increased funding, including an anticipated $381 million for Sound Transit and $559 million to King County Metro.
- $2.25 billion to the Port of Seattle for shore-side power for cargo ships and the electrification of cargo-handling equipment and trucks, making the Port more competitive to companies seeking carbon credits.
- $71 million for Washington to expand its electrical-vehicle charging network.
- $100 million for expansion of broadband internet, which is expected to help 240,000 Washingtonians who currently are without high-speed internet.
- Salmon restoration, forest thinning, prescribed burns, clean-up of contaminated drinking water, and other high priority items to be addressed.
Oregon:
- $1.2 billion in transportation funding with opportunities for restoration and repair for Oregon’s aging roads and bridges—many of which are beyond their 50-year lifespan. This includes the I-5 Bridge Project spanning the Columbia River connecting Oregon and Washington.
- $200 million is allocated to transit systems, with anticipated expansions to TriMet’s MAX Red Line extension and Bus Rapid Transit.
- ODOT anticipates $50 million for electric vehicle charging stations, $40 million on safety investments, and $30 million for bike and pedestrian improvements.
- Oregon’s statewide broadband connectivity will be expanded with a $100 million allocation, providing broadband for more than 130,000 Oregonians currently without.
- $162 million national Investment in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could include restoration of wildlife habitat in Klamath Basin.
[View source.]