WASHINGTON, D.C. [08/10/21]—U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said Senate passage today of a historic, bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure package will deliver billions of dollars in long-overdue investments to Minnesota’s roads, bridges, broadband, water pipes and other needed upgrades.
Sen. Smith said the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was produced after months of difficult, bipartisan negotiations, resulting in a package that will jumpstart the economy and create jobs and economic development in rural, urban and suburban communities across the state.
“We’re no longer just talking about infrastructure, we’re actually delivering a once-in-a-generation package that will make life better for millions of Minnesotans, create a generation of good-paying jobs and economic growth, and position the United States to succeed in the 21st Century,” said Sen. Smith. “It’s going to improve the state’s competitiveness and it will mean that people living in rural, urban, suburban, and Tribal communities are going to be able to get where they need to go to more safely. And importantly, it’s going to bring at least $100 million to our state for broadband, which is the infrastructure of the 21st Century and necessary to build an economy that works for everyone.”
Sen. Smith said the package will bring significant investments to communities across the state, including:
- $4.5 billion for Minnesota highways;
- $819 million for transit systems across the state;
- $302 million for bridges, as well as competitive grant funding available for economically-significant bridges;
- At least $100 million for broadband internet systems in communities across the state, and provide access to at least 83,000 residents currently without broadband access; and
- $68 million for electric vehicle charging stations.
The legislation will now move to the House for action. If it passes the House, it will be sent to President Biden to be signed into law.
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