Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Democrats met with national leaders to discuss the urgency of investing in our nation’s infrastructure. Senate Democrats touted the importance of investing in highways, mass transit, airports, railroads, and ports in order to create jobs, enhance U.S. competitiveness, and promote long-term economic growth. Every $1 billion in federal funds, can create up to 34,700 jobs.

“Our nation’s infrastructure industry—transportation, construction, manufacturing— is central to the strength of our economy. It moves people where we want to go and it builds the things we need,” said Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Chairman of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. “At home in Alaska, we have unique needs and know first-hand what a difference strong infrastructure can do for our local communities and economy.”

Senate Democrats are working to rebuild and expand our water infrastructure by championing the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which was signed into law earlier this month and authorized 34 water resource related projects.

“I was pleased to meet with leaders from across the country today, including Lee Gibson from the Regional Transportation of Washoe County, to discuss how vital infrastructure projects are to our state and our country,” said Majority Leader Harry Reid. “Our nation’s interconnected economy depends on our system of roadways, highways, railways, and bridges, but regrettably our transportation infrastructure has fallen into disrepair. More than 70,000 bridges are ‘structurally deficient,’ and nearly 20% of roads nationwide fail to meet modern safety standards. As always, I remain resolute in my commitment to ensuring our nation’s critical transportation infrastructure receives appropriate funding to guarantee it is safe for all.”

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave America a D grade on the condition of our roads and a C+ on the condition of our bridges. Recently, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved a bill to reauthorize Federal highway programs for six years, through fiscal year 2020 (S. 2322). Senate Democrats will also continue to work to prevent a shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund and get through the busy summer construction season.

Photos from this event can be found HERE

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