Press Releases

Commerce Democrats Highlight Historic Investments in Our Nation’s Infrastructure

November 15, 2024



On the third anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Senate Commerce Committee Democrats are highlighting some of the impacts this once-in-a-generation investment in America’s infrastructure is having across the country. Since 2021, the law has channeled $568 billion across all 50 states for more than 66,000 projects and awards in critical infrastructure investments through many Commerce Committee-authorized grant programs, modernizing America's transportation networks and strengthening local economies. 


WASHINGTON STATE

Sen. Cantwell secured funding to replace the I-5 Bridge

Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell has secured a total of $2.1 billion from the Cantwell-authored Mega Program and the Bridge Investment Program in the BIL to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge in Southwest Washington. The I-5 Bridge is a crucial linchpin in both the regional and national economy and plays a vital role in transporting freight along the I-5 corridor. According to the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, an average of 131,747 vehicles crossed the bridge each weekday in 2021. Despite the bridge’s importance, it’s rated the worst truck bottleneck in Washington and the fifth worst on the West Coast, with seven to 10 hours of congestion during the morning and evening commute periods.

"Washingtonians are seeing many benefits from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, from a new passenger terminal at Spokane International Airport, to helping replace the outdated I-5 bridge, to billions in new energy grid upgrades, to restoring salmon habitat, to major new port investments that will boost exports and local jobs. All these historic infrastructure investments are making our economy stronger and more resilient, and should be continued regardless of the change in Administration,” said Sen. Cantwell.


WISCONSIN & MINNESOTA

Sens. Baldwin and Klobuchar secured funding to replace the Blatnik Bridge

Earlier this year, Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Amy Klobuchar announced more than $1.05 billion in funding to replace the aging Blatnik Bridge connecting Superior, Wisconsin, to Duluth, Minnesota. The more than 60-year-old bridge is a vital connection between the two states, with over 33,000 vehicles passing through daily and 265,000 trucks transporting nearly $4 billion in goods annually. The bridge received funding from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program (INFRA) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“This is what delivering for Wisconsin looks like. I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring federal resources back to Wisconsin, and now we are seeing the results pay off. I have been pushing the Biden Administration at every turn to fund this project because a new Blatnik Bridge is critical for our economy, safety, and way of life,” said Sen. Baldwin. “With this investment, we can ensure that billions of dollars’ worth of products can get to market efficiently, families can get to work on time, and millions of travelers get to their destinations safely.”

“For over 60 years, the Blatnik Bridge has connected commuters, businesses, and communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but it’s in serious need of a replacement,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “The significant federal grant we secured for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project will bolster safety and reliability for the thousands of people who use this bridge every day.”


NEVADA

Sen. Rosen secured funding to build historic high-speed rail line

Sen. Rosen has secured $3 billion to begin construction of the Brightline West high-speed rail system in Las Vegas. This project will connect Las Vegas and Southern California, which will help bolster Southern Nevada’s tourism economy and reduce congestion on the Interstate-15 corridor. Brightline West estimates it will remove 3 million cars from I-15 annually, reducing more than 400,000 tons of carbon emissions each year, and creating 35,000 good-paying, union jobs.

“This historic high-speed rail project will be a game changer for Nevada’s tourism economy and transportation. It’ll bring more visitors to our state, reduce traffic on the I-15, create thousands of good paying jobs, and decrease carbon emissions, all while relying on local union labor,” said Sen. Rosen. “For decades, Nevadans have heard about the benefits of high-speed rail, and I’m proud to have led the charge for months to push the U.S. Department of Transportation to secure critical funding to make this a reality. I’ll always fight to support Nevada’s tourism economy and create good-paying, union jobs.”



MICHIGAN

Sen. Peters secured funding to replace the Lafayette Avenue Bridge

Sen. Peters, Chair of the Committee’s Surface Transportation Subcommittee, championed $73 million in funding through the Bridge Investment Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace the 85-year-old Lafayette Avenue Bridge in Bay City, Michigan. The Lafayette Avenue Bridge is a critical linchpin to the transportation network and economy of Michigan’s Bay Region but has undergone increasing repairs and closures in recent years that have impacted local residents and businesses. The project will also create a shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path along the new bridge to promote local recreation.  

“This significant investment in Bay City will help replace this aging bridge — improving quality of life, helping residents commute to school and work more reliably and bolstering the local economy,” said Sen. Peters. “I’m proud to have helped enact the bipartisan infrastructure law, which made this funding a reality.”



ILLINOIS

Sen. Duckworth secured funding to upgrade O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 3

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Chair of the Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, garnered $90 million in Airport Terminal Program grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support modernizing Terminal 3 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The project is designed to overhaul everything from security checkpoints and baggage claim, while adding amenities and more accessibility. In April, Sen. Duckworth attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

“Keeping O’Hare strong means keeping Chicago strong, but it takes investment and commitment from all levels of government to support it,” Sen. Duckworth said. “That’s why I’m pleased Senator Durbin and I were able to work with the Illinois Congressional Delegation, through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to help secure $90 million in federal funding for the Terminal 3 Improvement Project. After years of neglecting our nation’s infrastructure, I’m proud every day to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work rebuilding infrastructure all across our country. But if we’re going to keep O’Hare’s status as one of the best airports in the country – and the world – we can’t let up.”


NEW MEXICO

Sen. Luján secured funding to eliminate railroad crossings

Sen. Ben Ray Luján announced more than $31 million from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strengthen infrastructure at Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County by creating a vehicle overpass at the Industrial Avenue and the Union Pacific Railroad line. The crossing sees 40 trains per day, and the project will benefit vehicular mobility in the area to reduce congestion and delays for accessing the nearby industrial parks. This project demonstrates that BIL dollars are not only strengthening our infrastructure, but also creating new economic opportunities by building up our land ports of entry.

“The Santa Teresa Region is central to trade and transporting goods, and it’s crucial that we reduce congestion to continue to accelerate New Mexico’s economic growth,” said Sen. Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to welcome these federal investments to Doña Ana County to build an overpass to minimize traffic. This Railroad Crossing Elimination Program will also improve infrastructure and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians passing through our state’s southern corridor.”