Local Impact of Congress Passing the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act

Image of U.S. Capitol (cropped) by Ted Eytan from Flickr

Representative Jake Auchincloss characterized as “historic” the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in a press conference following his attendance at the White House signing ceremony for the legislation on Monday, November 15, 2021. The law will have impacts felt over the next one to two decades, he noted.

Representative Auchincloss recalled that the last time he had visited the White House before the signing ceremony was as a kid getting a tour. Last Monday, the man who grew up in Newton was not only a White House visitor but also a member of the House’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a guest of President Joe Biden.

“[We] got bused over from the Capitol Hill steps and the mood of the bus was really exuberant. This has been a tortuous path to this bill signing. [ ] The House and Senate members all felt a real catharsis in being there and getting it done,” he said.

On the return bus ride, Rep. Auchincloss says he shared excitement with Massachusetts colleagues Representative Stephen Lynch and Representative Seth Moulton on what the new legislation will mean for the Bay State.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act should provide a boost, coming in tandem with state efforts in housing and workforce development under the American Rescue Plan funding, he says. It will act like the second hit of a one-two synergistic punch, he adds.

For more local news, subscribe to Westwood Minute's FREE email newsletter!

Massachusetts will receive up to about $9 billion to $10 billion dollars. Maximum amounts available for various projects include up to $4 billion for roads, $1 billion for bridges, $2.5 billion for transit, $1 billion for clean water infrastructure and tens of millions of dollars for expanding high speed internet. There will also be significant money for weatherizing homes that will help reduce energy costs, according to the representative.

Rep. Auchincloss notes that the design of the law is to defer to state and local officials, empowering them to undertake the public work projects that are needed.

Funding through the new legislation will provide another “boost” to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and regional transit authorities, improving roads and bridges, expanding high speed internet, improving Logan Airport and other ports, and “undergirding” more affordable housing.

He gave examples of how the effect of the law will be specific to local needs. One town may first address water infrastructure as a priority while another city could improve an unreliable commuter line.

If this article was helpful, subscribe to Westwood Minute's FREE email newsletter!

You may also be interested in reading these articles:

-Rep. Auchincloss Calls to Abolish Filibuster While Unveiling Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

-Auchincloss Delivers Letter to Cruz: “What You Intend As A Threat, We in Massachusetts Consider A Promise”

-Broad Eligibility Announced for $175 Million in American Rescue Funds for Massachusetts