Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

In November 2021, President Biden signed into law the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL will create an average of 2 million good-paying union jobs each year over the course of a decade, rebuild America’s roads, bridges, and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis and invest in communities that have been left behind for far too long. I was proud to vote for this legislation when it passed the House of Representatives.

Click here to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law map of progress.

Electric Vehicles

It has become increasingly clear over the past decade clear how detrimental carbon dioxide emissions are to our community and to the planet. The shift away from standard vehicles and towards electric ones is an important piece of a larger strategy to combat the accelerating effects of climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act includes a tax credit of up to $7,500 to encourage Americans to transition to an electric vehicle. As more and more electric vehicles come onto our roads, a robust, nationwide charging infrastructure is necessary to support this growth. I believe that charging an electric vehicle needs to be easily accessible and convenient. I am grateful that the BIL included $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program to help states and cities build out EV charging sites. I will continue to explore ways to make electric vehicles affordable for all and ensure that electric vehicles are well-supported by our nation’s infrastructure.

Future of Transportation Caucus

Neighborhoods and cities are rapidly evolving across our country, yet our approaches to the biggest challenges in transportation have failed to keep up with modern demands. That is why I am one of the Co-Chairs of the Future of Transportation Caucus.  This caucus is working towards a future transportation system focused on equity, access, and sustainability. Rather than just fixating narrowly on issues like funding, I believe it is important prioritize  transportation infrastructure and planning’s impact on communities, job access and services, and the environment.

Transportation and Infrastructure Community Project Funding Secured

Under revised guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for projects in their community each fiscal year – although only a handful may actually be funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding.

Mission Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation – Phase 3, Ben Nevis to Bellegrave, $2.3 million (FY 2023)

Funding would be used to improve existing pavement conditions on Mission Boulevard between Ben Nevis Boulevard and Bellegrave Avenue, allowing the City to address unsafe conditions, traffic congestion, and neighborhood safety.

Third Street Grade Separation Project, $3 million (FY 2023)

Funding would be used on the construction phase of the project. Specifically, three existing BNSF mainline tracks will be permanently relocated easterly to minimize disruptions of rail operations. Commerce Street, just east of the BNSF tracks, will be permanently realigned easterly to allow for the modification of the tracks and to develop an improved intersection with Third Street. Two storage tracks will be constructed adjacent to Commerce Street. Improvements on Third Street will include a raised median, Class I bike lanes, and sidewalks. The Project will also require the construction of retaining walls, realignment of the Riverside Canal and canal syphon, a storm water pump station and detention basin, and utility relocations.