Gov. Evers: Passage of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is “Win for Wisconsin”

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released a statement on the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“This bipartisan infrastructure bill is a win for Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “For years, elected officials in this state failed to make meaningful investments in our roads and infrastructure. I’m proud we’ve gotten to work providing more than 300,000 homes and businesses with access to new or improved broadband service while fixing more than 1,000 miles of highway and more than 800 state and local bridges.

“Now, because of President Biden’s efforts to pass this once-in-a-generation infrastructure plan, we’ll be able to build on the progress we’ve made these past two years and continue our work fixing our state’s crumbling roads, investing in lead pipe replacement, and expanding access to broadband across our state.”

The U.S. House passed the infrastructure bill late Friday night on a bipartisan vote. Based on information released today, here is how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is expected to deliver for Wisconsin:

• Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Based on formula funding alone, it is currently estimated that Wisconsin could expect to receive $5.2 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years.*
  • Wisconsin can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.
• Deliver clean drinking water and eliminate the nation’s lead service lines and pipes.
  • Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Wisconsin will expect to receive $841 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.
• Improve healthy, sustainable transportation options.
  • Based on formula funding alone, it is currently estimated that Wisconsin would expect to receive $592 million over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state.*
• Build a network of EV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options.
  • Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it is projected Wisconsin would expect to receive $79 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state.*
  • Wisconsin will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.
• Help connect folks to reliable high-speed internet.
  • Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Wisconsin is estimated to receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 318,000 Wisconsin residents who currently lack it.
  • Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 1,246,000 or 22% of people in Wisconsin will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
• Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyberattacks, and extreme weather events.
  • Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on historical formula funding levels, Wisconsin will expect to receive $20 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $18 million to protect against cyberattacks.
  • Wisconsin residents will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.
• Improve our airports.
  • Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, airports in Wisconsin would receive approximately $198 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.

*These values are estimates and may change based on updated factor data each fiscal year.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.