Virginia highways and interstates are among the most traveled in the nation. From maintenance of highways in rural areas to the improvement of major arteries around the Capital Beltway, I have sought critical investments in our state’s infrastructure. These investments not only improve safety, but also spur business and economic development.

Reliable estimates have shown that every $1 billion spent on construction and maintenance of our nation’s infrastructure creates approximately 47,500 jobs. And, every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure generates $2 billion in economic activity throughout the American economy, according to the United States Department of Transportation.

The U.S. Senate, with my support, passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), to revive our struggling economy by investing in several long-standing needs throughout the country. As a result, Virginia has received more than $700 million for Virginia transportation priorities and $116 million in funding for mass-transit projects. These funds have been distributed to both urban and rural areas through the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Capital Grants program. Funds will be spent on a wide range of public transit investments including heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, trolleybus, cable car, ferryboats, and high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes.

Through the ARRA, the U.S. Department of Transportation also dedicated $77.3 million to accelerate work on Northern Virginia’s Dulles Corridor Metrorail extension. This funding brings Northern Virginia one step closer to a crucial Metrorail extension that will relieve congestion, improve quality of life and foster sustained economic growth in the region.