Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for Delaware – Tom Carper

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today issued the following statement on the Clean Water Act’s 50th Anniversary.

“In 1972, when I was a young naval flight officer in Southeast Asia, Congress overrode President Nixon’s veto to enact the Clean Water Act. So much has changed since then. Americans now have a law that seeks to protect them from industrial pollution in our rivers, lakes, and streams and the indiscriminate destruction of our wetlands.

“While we celebrate the Clean Water Act’s immense contributions to our health, environment, and economy, some are working to turn the clock back on critical protections for our nation’s waters. Currently, there is a case before the Supreme Court that seeks to once again allow polluters to dump their waste into upstream waters without consequence.

“The truth is that while we have come a long way since enacting the Clean Water Act 50 years ago, we have to do more, not less, to deliver on the promise of clean water in our nation. Fortunately, we are making progress when it comes to improving clean water access. Last year, for example, we included the largest-ever investment in our nation’s water infrastructure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This includes billions of dollars for repairing our aging wastewater and sanitation systems and making our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

“We have made so much progress, but our work continues. We can’t stop until every American has the clean water they deserve and depend upon to thrive.”

Watch a recorded video of Senator Carper’s remarks here.

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Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

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Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

October 17, 2022

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and White House Infrastructure Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President Mitch Landrieu held a press conference at Buffalo City Hall with Mayor Byron Brown, Congressman Brian Higgins and local leaders, advocates and workers to support the ongoing community-led effort concerning the transformation of Buffalo’s Main Street. The project, which recently received $25 million in federal funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will renovate a 2.5 mile section of Main Street to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and help connect Buffalo residents with jobs. Senator Gillibrand is committed to seeing this project through and her visit will help support the implementation of this major infrastructure investment. Gillibrand and Landrieu were also joined by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, State Senator Tim Kennedy, and State Senator Sean Ryan.

“I fought hard in Congress to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and invest in innovative transit projects like the one we’re here to talk about today in Buffalo,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal dollars will provide Buffalo’s pedestrians and cyclists with an improved, safer travel route and create economic opportunity along the corridor. I look forward to seeing Buffalo’s new and improved Main Street and I’ll keep fighting to upgrade our state’s infrastructure and make sure New York remains a leader in sustainable development.”

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver for communities across New York, and this Administration’s $25 million investment to transform Main Street in Buffalo is a great example of how we are working to make communities’ streets safer, increase sustainability, and spur economic development,” White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership across local and state government to rebuild New York’s roads and bridges and create economic opportunity as we go.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s impact on Buffalo and Western New York will be transformational.  This $25 million federal investment in Main Street goes beyond road repairs to deliver dramatic improvements to safety, accessibility, and opportunity.  For residents this translates into safer and user-friendly streets for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers, as well as enhanced features and connections between retail, universities, cultural experiences, healthcare facilities and neighborhoods.  We know from projects like Ohio Street, Niagara Street, and Cars Sharing Main Street, that return on federal infrastructure investments is multiplied several times over through stronger neighborhoods, new investments and job growth.”

“Because of the efforts and leadership of President Biden, Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressmen Higgins, Buffalo and WNY will benefit from the largest infusion of infrastructure funding in almost 80 years,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “As part of this record infrastructure investment, the $25 million RAISE grant award will revitalize Middle Main Street and make it a modern, multimodal gateway that will connect East Buffalo to our downtown core. This is exciting news for the City of Buffalo, the businesses along Main Street, our drivers, pedestrians, bikers, and all who utilize public transit.”

“Instead of serving as a dividing line between communities, this project will transform Main Street into a place that ties neighborhoods together,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “As Chair of the State Senate Transportation Committee, I fully support this project and its smart use of complete streets principles. Thank you to Senator Gillibrand for her ongoing support for the City of Buffalo and Western New York.”

Senator Sean Ryan said, “There is no doubt that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for Buffalo and Western New York, and I thank Senator Gillibrand and our federal delegation for working so hard to bring this much-needed funding to our region. The $25 million RAISE grant will expand our continuing efforts to invest in complete streets and improve walkability and pedestrian safety in the City of Buffalo.”  

“President Biden and our Democratic Leaders in Congress continue to deliver for Buffalo and Erie County. Today’s announcement is further proof that federal investment in our infrastructure can be transformational,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

With money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this project will improve a 2.5-mile corridor of Main Street to turn it into a multimodal complete street. It will create a dedicated cycle track with smart bicycle signal sensors, allowing for safer and more efficient bicycle travel to major employment centers along the corridor, and repave the roadway to reduce emergency response times. This $25 million grant accounts for over half the estimated total cost of the project.

Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already provided millions in federal funding to improve New York infrastructure. New York airports have received more than $156 million, including over $7 million for Buffalo Niagara International Airport, nearly $1.5 million for Niagara Falls International Airport and over $600,000 in combined funding for smaller airports in Western New York.

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

October 17, 2022

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and White House Infrastructure Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President Mitch Landrieu visited Albany to hold a press conference highlighting the historic $25.4 million federal investment in the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). The funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will allow CDTA to expand its fleet of electric buses and develop its charging infrastructure in order to reduce emissions and fight climate change. Gillibrand and Landrieu were joined by Congressman Paul Tonko, CEO of CDTA Carm Basile, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, State Senator Neil Breslin, Assemblymember Pat Fahy, Assemblymember John McDonald, Albany Common Council President Corey Ellis, Chair of the Albany County Legislature Andrew Joyce, Regional Director for Empire State Development Mike Yevoli, and President of Capitalize Albany Corporation Sarah Reginelli. 

“I fought hard in Congress to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and invest in innovative green transit projects like the one we’re here to talk about today in Albany,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal dollars will provide the millions of riders who rely on CDTA to get around with a cleaner commute and reduce pollution in our Capital Region communities. I look forward to seeing CDTA’s new electric buses in action and I’ll keep fighting to upgrade our state’s infrastructure and make sure New York remains a leader in sustainable development and the fight against climate change.”

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver for communities across New York, and this Administration’s $25 million investment to expand Albany’s fleet of electric buses is a great example of how we are working to ensure clean air and reliable transit for communities across the state,” White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership across local and state government to combat climate change and connect New Yorkers to the people and places they love.”

“The benefits brought forth by investing in clean transportation are numerous and extensive—which is why I worked tirelessly to expand and strengthen CDTA services, champion EV provisions, and advance the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Congressman Tonko said. “Today’s announcement highlights the years of dedicated work and coordination at the local, state, and federal levels to provide commuters with reliable public transit service, support public health, and fight climate change. I am delighted to join Senator Gillibrand and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu in announcing this major investment that will strengthen our Capital Region and push us towards a clean energy future.”

“On behalf of the entire City of Albany, we are honored to welcome White House Infrastructure Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President Mitch Landrieu to New York’s Capital City. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing billions to combat climate change and reduce emissions by expanding green bus fleets across the nation. By providing more than $25 million to CDTA, new low and no-emission buses will make our air cleaner, especially in environmental justice communities such as Albany’s South End. Thank you to Senator Gillibrand, Majority Leader Schumer, and Congressman Tonko for supporting this once-in-a-generation investment in combating climate change, repairing our streets and bridges, expanding internet access, and ensuring every American has access to clean water,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

“This $25 million dollar federal investment is a demonstration of Senator Gillibrand’s continued commitment to greener, healthier communities,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Electric buses offer another way to fight climate change by reducing emissions and will expand CDTA’s electric fleet. Thank you, Senator Gillibrand.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has and will make a large impact in our Capital Region and I applaud Senator Gillibrand for highlighting just one of the many areas of investment toward our award-winning Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA),” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh. “An investment of this magnitude in CDTA will not only help expand more transit options but also  provides those options in an environmentally favorable way.”

“Investments in green infrastructure, multi-modal transportation, and our public transit system creates good-paying jobs while addressing climate change,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “In 2020, I was proud support state funding for CDTA to launch Upstate New York’s first electric buses, and federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will further their role as a leader in sustainability, emissions reduction, and climate action. With transformational infrastructure projects underway throughout the Capital Region – including reimagining I-787 – we have a chance to realize a greener, multi-modal future when it comes to our transportation grid. I commend Senator Gillibrand for her work in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and her continued commitment to delivering on infrastructure funding for our communities. We are seeing first hand right here in the Capital Region the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with this $25.4 million investment in the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). By expanding CDTA’s fleet of electric buses we are not only improving the quality life for the people of our community, we are also doing it in a way that is environmentally responsible.”

“We are seeing first hand right here in the Capital Region the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with this $25.4 million investment in the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).  By expanding CDTA’s fleet of electric buses we are not only improving the quality life for the people of our community, we are also doing it in a way that is environmentally responsible,” said NYS Senator Neil Breslin. 

This funding was allocated through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY22 Low or No Emission Vehicle Program. With money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program will provide $5.5 billion in grants over five years to transit agencies, municipalities and states across the country to buy or lease U.S.-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including related equipment or facilities. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already provided millions in federal funding to improve New York infrastructure. New York airports have received more than $156 million, including over $5 million for Albany International Airport and over $1 million in combined funding for smaller airports in the Capital Region. Public transit in New York will also have received more than $2 billion by the end of this year. 

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

October 17, 2022

Secretary Buttigieg Visited Last Year Pushing for Gillibrand’s Local Hire Program, Key Provisions of Which Were Ultimately Included In The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and White House Infrastructure Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President Mitch Landrieu visited Syracuse for a briefing led by Mayor Ben Walsh, local leaders, and stakeholders to support the ongoing community-led effort concerning the transformation of Syracuse’s I-81. Gillibrand and Landrieu highlighted the historic funding coming to New York through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes billions for the state’s roads, bridges, airports, and water infrastructure. Gillibrand also announced her support for Syracuse’s application for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. 

Gillibrand and Landrieu were also joined by Assemblyman Al Stirpe, Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, State Senator Rachel May, State Senator John Mannion, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri, President and CEO of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity Robert Simpson, Business Manager for IBEW Local 43 Alan Marzullo, and President of the Urban Jobs Task Force Deka Dancil. 

“The construction of highways like I-81 devastated communities of color across our state and nation,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s time to right the wrongs of the past and transform I-81 to meet the needs of the people of Syracuse. Today, I’m honored to be hosting White House Infrastructure Coordinator Landrieu to share with him the community grid plan for the I-81 Viaduct. I’m also proud to be announcing my support for Syracuse’s application for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, which would provide federal funding to help Syracuse establish the community grid, revitalize its downtown, and connect workers to good-paying jobs. I am committed to seeing this project through and will keep fighting to bring federal resources to Central New York to rejuvenate our neighborhoods and create economic opportunity for all.”

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver transformational change to New York, and this Administration is committed to supporting projects like the I-81 community grid in Syracuse, which is going to reconnect communities and create good-paying jobs,” White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership across local and state government to create economic opportunity and advance equity.”

“Syracuse is the site of one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects in the nation. Removal of the Interstate 81 viaduct will improve transportation and create positive transformation for our entire region. Through Senator Gillibrand’s efforts to make “Build Local-Hire Local” provisions part of federal law, we can also make sure the project generates jobs and good careers for local residents, especially, women, minorities and veterans,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “The Biden Administration is making historic investments in infrastructure. We are honored to have White House Infrastructure Coordinator Landrieu here in Syracuse to share our workforce development progress and show him how we are preparing for transformational investments in infrastructure in our region.”

Mayor Palmieri said, “Utica and Syracuse were connected by the Erie Canal, but were also populated by the largely immigrant workforce that built it. Similarly, a rebuilt I-81 will not just be a modern roadway, but a bridge to prosperity for the workers that need it most. I’d like to thank Mayor Walsh, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and Advisor Landrieu for inviting me to be a part of this exciting day and I look forward to seeing them all as Utica rebuilds in similar fashion.” 

“IBEW Local 43 working with The Central and Northern NY Building Trades Council is proud to partner with the Syracuse Build program,” said Alan Marzullo, business manager and financial secretary for IBEW Local 43. “The foundation this program provides graduates will enable them to access well-paying union construction jobs. The skills they’ve developed will position them well as they pursue opportunities on the immediate horizon, and those well into the future. We look forward to working with Mayor Walsh, Center State CEO, and all partners to connect more residence to the program and careers in Central New York.”

Following her Syracuse visit with Secretary Buttigieg in 2021, Senator Gillibrand delivered big for New York, with at least $27 billion coming to New York from the once-in-a-generation infrastructure bill. The package included $1 billion to help reconnect communities in addition to key provisions from Senator Gillibrand’s Build Local, Hire Local Act, which was inspired by the legacy of I-81. This bold reform will help communities to right the wrongs of the past and prioritizes training and hiring local workers for projects that will directly impact their community. Additionally, Gillibrand won $300,000 in FY22 for I-81 construction job training to help young people who are not enrolled in school or participating in the formal labor market get the support and training they need to start careers in construction, specifically working to uplift the community through the I-81 redevelopment project.

Source: United States Senator for Vermont Patrick Leahy

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford