August 12th, 2021
Infrastructure Bill Breakdown From Bellevue's Julie Platt & Andrew Wisniewski
The U.S. Senate passed the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill by a 69-30 margin this week after months of negotiations. Originally the President had proposed a $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan. The bill is a critical component of President Biden's agenda. The bill would impact all areas of America's lives, from much-needed repairs to roads and bridges to expanding broadband access and updating our country's power grid. To pay for the infrastructure package, the bill includes a measure to repurpose unspent pandemic relief funds, more tightly regulating cryptocurrency, and delaying implementing a Trump-era rule that would change how drug companies can offer discounts to health plans for Medicare patients. Below you will find a summary of the legislation and what it means for Pennsylvania. The chart below shows what Pennsylvania is estimated to receive at the moment, but as more details emerge Bellevue will keep you updated.
Comprehensive Breakdown: Roads, Bridges, and Major Projects - $110 billion $40 billion of new funding for bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation $16 billion for major projects What this means for Pennsylvania In the Commonwealth, there are currently 3,353 bridges and over 7,540 miles of highway in poor condition. It is estimated that Pennsylvania will receive $11.3 billion of federal aid funding under highway apportioned programs and $1.6 billion for bridge replacement and repairs over the next five years Pennsylvania may also apply for a portion of the $12.5 billion set aside for the Bridge Investment Program. Additionally, the Commonwealth may apply for the nearly $16 billion dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities. Transportation Safety - $11 billion In addition to the funding provided, the infrastructure bill will implement the Safe Streets for All program which will reduce crashes and fatalities, with a particular focus on reducing incidents involving cyclists and pedestrians. Public Transit - $39 billion What this means for Pennsylvania: It is estimated that Pennsylvania will receive $2.8 billion to improve public transportation over the next five years.
Passenger and Freight Rail - $66 billion $22 billion in grants for Amtrak $24 billion as federal-state partnership grants for Northeast Corridor modernization $12 billion for partnership grants for intercity rail service and high-speed rail $5 billion for rail improvement and safety grants $3 billion for grade crossing safety improvements What this means for Pennsylvania Cities such as Scranton, Reading, and Allentown will be connected by Amtrak to New York City. Furthermore, the Amtrak line connecting Erie to Buffalo and Cleveland will run more frequently. Electronic Vehicle Charging Stations - $7.5 billion What this means for Pennsylvania: It is estimated that Pennsylvania will receive $171 million to expand access to electronic vehicle charging stations over the next five years. Furthermore, the state of Pennsylvania may apply for an allotment of the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to electronic vehicle charging. Electric Buses and Other Transportation - $7.5 billion $2.5 billion in zero-emission buses $2.5 billion in low emission buses $2.5 billion for ferries Reconnecting Communities - $ 1 billion $1 billion for planning, design, demolition, and reconstruction of street grids, parks, or other infrastructure projects in communities divided by transportation infrastructure Airports, Ports, and Waterways - $42 billion $17 billion for port infrastructure $25 billion of funding for airports in order to address repair and maintenance backlogs, reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports, and drive electrification and other low-carbon technologies Resilience and Western Water Infrastructure - $50 billion Clean Drinking Water - $55 billion Broadband Spending - $65 billion What this means for Pennsylvania: 14% of households in the Commonwealth do not have an internet subscription and 3.1% of Pennsylvanians live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure. Pennsylvania will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state. Additionally, 23% of people in Pennsylvania will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
Environmental Remediation - $21 billion What this means for Pennsylvania: Over half of Pennsylvania’s counties have identified abandoned mines within their borders. Pennsylvania is expected to receive more than $3 billion to assist with abandoned mine reclamation. Power Infrastructure - $73 billion _________________________________________________________________________
Next steps: The infrastructure bill now heads to the House. However, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly said she would not bring the infrastructure bill to a floor vote until the Senate passes the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. The Senate passed the budget resolution last night after spending all night voting on amendments. The budget resolution includes policies to address climate change, education, elder care, and health. The bill includes an extended sought-after provision to expand Medicare to include dental, hearing, and vision benefits and possibly lowering the eligibility age. Additional provisions include free community college and the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps. The legislation will be paid for by tax increase for the wealthy and corporations. Because of the budget reconciliation rules, August recess, and house Democrats, we believe that the infrastructure bill and the reconciliation package will not be ready for President Biden to sign until the end of the year.