Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $7,768,742 grant to the City of Grand Forks from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“Funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver wins for North Dakota from airports and bridges to drinking water and transportation projects,” said Senator Cramer. “These dollars have a noticeable impact on our communities and this grant will improve public transportation facilities in Grand Forks.”
The funding will rehabilitate public transportation facilities in the City of Grand Forks from the Buses and Bus Facilities Grants and Low-No Emission Grants program.
Background:
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes:
- $2 billion for North Dakota’s roads, bridges, and highways.
- 50% increase over the next five years in contract authority for the North Dakota Department of Transportation ($125 million more per year above current levels).
- $225 million is set aside for North Dakota to improve and upgrade bridge infrastructure.
- $66 billion for passenger and freight rail.
- This investment is in addition to Senate Commerce Committee’s $78 billion Surface Transportation Investment Act which the committee passed earlier this year with strong bipartisan support.
- $65 billion for broadband grants to states for the expansion of broadband infrastructure.
- $47.2 billion for cybersecurity and flood and drought mitigation.
- $18 billion for carbon capture technology and reliable, emission-free nuclear power.
- $16 billion for ports and waterways.
- $11 billion for highway safety programs and pipeline repair.
- $2 billion grant program set aside for rural communities.
- A new apprenticeship program to allow 18 year olds with Commercial Driver’s Licenses to drive across state lines, which will help address the severe shortage of truck drivers and requisite supply chain problems.
The bipartisan bill includes methods for paying for the increased spending without raising taxes on the American people, such as repurposing $210 billion in funds previously authorized for COVID-19 relief. Click here for a summary of the bill.
It is backed by over 100 prominent groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Farm Bureau, Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers, and more. Click here for a list of national supporters.