Infrastructure
With our energy grids failing, our sewers leaking, our roads crumbling, and interest rates at historically low levels, now is the time to reinvest in America. Even in the depths of the Great Depression, we invested money into public works that led to the post-war economic expansion. Infrastructure investments spur economic development by making areas safe and attractive for new businesses, while simultaneously creating thousands of jobs. Research conducted by the World Bank indicates a 10 percent increase in infrastructure spending directly leads to a 1 percent increase in GDP.
I believe there is a critical need for Congress to address our country’s crumbling infrastructure. America requires a robust transportation infrastructure to compete in the global economy, and the current state of our roads, bridges, and railroads reflects decades of neglect. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reports that more than 25% of bridges in the United States either need significant repairs or are handling more traffic than they were originally designed to carry. In addition 32% of America’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, costing U.S. motorists who are traveling on deficient pavement $67 billion a year. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that these poor road conditions play a role in more than 14,300 traffic fatalities annually.
That is why I supported the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on in December of 2015. I voted in favor this legislation, which provides $281 billion in funding and reauthorizing highway, bridge, transportation safety, and public transit projects for the next five years. It is time for Congress to stop passing short-term extensions and give our state and local governments the tools and the stability they need to move infrastructure projects forward. Too many communities are suffering from aging roads and bridges and I am pleased that this bill will provide the first step to rebuilding our country’s transportation portals and help put Americans back to work.
I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to assist the City of Akron in receiving a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant in 2016. This program affords state and local governments to apply for federal investment in our nation’s roads, rails, and ports. While simultaneously improving infrastructure, the TIGER grant program serves as an important component for job creation and economic development across the nation. The TIGER grant helped Akron make enhancements to major connections within Akron’s downtown area, and provide support for both local and global businesses located in the Akron downtown. Akron is quickly becoming a global hub of innovation, attracting international biomedical technologies and companies that are looking for help in commercializing their produces and expanding into a global market and this TIGER will help the City of Akron continue to move forward and grow.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I understand the importance of the continuing fight for our infrastructure’s needs. From this position, I will continue my efforts ensuring that our transportation and infrastructure systems our effective and safely serve the American people.
More on Infrastructure
Akron, Ohio – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) announces $450,000 for the Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority to improve transit service in areas of persistent poverty. This funding has been made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) Program.
Akron, Ohio – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) issued the following statement today to applaud the Akron Executive Airport (formally the Akron-Fulton Airport) for securing a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to enhance airport safety and infrastructure. Project construction is estimated to cost $3.2 million and is scheduled to take place next Spring.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today announced a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation DOT) to the Western Reserve Port Authority in the amount of $1,447,140 to acquire snow removal equipment and construct a snow removal equipment building at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
Washington, DC — Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted for the FY 2021 spending bills for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies as well as Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies. The Energy and Water bill includes $5M in funding for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program that Lordstown Motors may apply for, despite the Trump Administration zeroing out program funding in the President’s FY 2021 budget.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today joined House Democratic Colleagues in introducing the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2), which will invest more than $1.5 trillion in modern sustainable infrastructure and create millions of good-paying jobs. The legislation also includes Congressman Ryan’s HOT CARS Act (H.R. 3593), a bipartisan bill he introduced in 2018 mandating that all new vehicles be equipped with a sensor and alert system reminding drivers to check their back seat for children.
Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today voted in favor of Fiscal Year 2020 Domestic Appropriations Package (H.R. 1865), which contained the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education; Agriculture; Energy and Water Development; Interior-Environment; Legislative Branch; Military Construction-Veterans Affairs; State-Foreign Operations; and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bills. Congressman Ryan has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2006 and currently serves as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee.
CLEVELAND – Today, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) spoke at a Hyperloop event held at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio – the Hyperloop would connect Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) along with government partners Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and transportation planning firm Transportation Economics and Management Systems, Inc.
Warren, OH – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today announced a $600,104 grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Buses and Bus Facilities Program for the Western Reserve Transit Authority. The grant assists in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing, or leasing bus-related facilities.
Warren, OH – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today is announcing the approval of a grant of $250,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the Trumbull County Board of Commissioners for sanitary sewer service in the Belmont Park area of Liberty Township. The money complements state and local funding for the almost $3.5 million project, which will provide a sewer line serving 107 households and 18 businesses. Sewer service will also be provided to a newly-built elderly care facility that will provide employment to approximately 150 people.
Youngstown, OH – Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today announced a grant award of $1,291,240 for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The award will fund the rehabilitation of the runway lighting and reconstruction of the apron pavement and taxiway.