Larsen: Bold, FDR-like investment in infrastructure creates well-paying jobs, fights climate change

House Passes Aggressive and Progressive INVEST in America Act, 221-201

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. RICK LARSEN (WA-02) |||

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded House passage of the INVEST in America Act, an historic investment in the nation’s roads, bridges, highways, transit, rail and water infrastructure. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives, 221 to 201.

“The INVEST in America Act is the bold, FDR-like investment in infrastructure the nation needs to create well-paying jobs, drive economic recovery and build a cleaner and greener transportation network,” said Larsen, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I will continue to work with my colleagues to push this aggressive and progressive bill across the finish line to put Washingtonians to work, keep the economy moving and fight climate change.”

The INVEST in America Act invests $715 billion over the next five years in the nation’s surface transportation and water infrastructure. The bill addresses many of Larsen’s local infrastructure priorities:

Cleaner and Greener Buses

• Includes Larsen’s legislation to boost the use of zero-emission buses in local transit fleets like Everett Transit and Whatcom Transportation Authority by requiring the deployment of zero-emission buses by organizations engaged in public transportation
• $6.6 billion for states and transit agencies to invest in fleet expansion and build improved bus facilities.

Cleaner and Greener Ferries

• Includes Larsen’s bill to combat climate change thought the purchase of low- and no-emission ferry vessels and supporting infrastructure
• $245 million to support passenger ferry systems
• $120 million to construct ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities

Promoting Transportation Jobs, Boosting Diversity

• Includes Larsen’s bipartisan language to grow the next generation workforce by promoting career opportunities and boosting diversity in the U.S. transportation industry
• Establishes apprenticeship goals by employing traditionally underrepresented populations to create a more diverse construction workforce

Repairing Washington’s Bridges

• $32 billion to make an important down payment on the nation’s bridge safety needs
• Requires states to use a greater percentage of their federal funding allocation on bridge repair and rehabilitation projects

Investments in Transit, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

• $109 billion for all modes of transit, including record investments to increase routes, reduce the transit maintenance backlog and provide more frequent service
• $4 billion for electrical vehicle charging infrastructure
• Includes Rep. Donald Norcross’s amendment Larsen supported to ensure Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) projects receiving federal funding are performed by qualified electricians with Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program certification

Keeping Rail On Track

• Triples investment in Amtrak to $32 billion, a provision Larsen advocated for, to renew and support long-distance and state-supported Amtrak routes like Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and Cascades that serve more than 13.1 million customers in Washington state annually
• Strengthens freight rail safety, requiring freight trains to have a certified e 

Expanding the Bike/Pedestrian Network

• Provisions Larsen supported to boost federal funding for communities to have the resources needed to improve safety and equity for all road users, increase mobility and reduce traffic congestion and pollution

Using Innovative Construction Materials

• Provisions Larsen advocated for to improve research on and expand use of cutting-edge materials in infrastructure projects to improve safety, promote resiliency, reduce carbon emissions and support local jobs

Replacing Fish Barrier Culverts

• Includes Rep. Derek Kilmer’s bipartisan amendment Larsen supported Larsen supported to make $800 million in federal funding available to help state like Washington replace fish barrier culverts to fulfill their treaty obligations, protect Tribal fishing rights and improve habitat connectivity

Targeted Local Infrastructure Investments

The INVEST in America Act includes several earmarks Larsen requested to address immediate local infrastructure needs in Northwest Washington. Larsen secured a total investment of $19.44 million for five Second District projects local stakeholders identified as critical to fostering long-term economic growth, including:

• $8 million for the Guemes Island Ferry Replacement Project (submitted by Skagit County)
• $5.28 million for the Zylstra Lake Multi-Modal Trail (San Juan County Public Works Department)
• $3.9 million to complete design and construction of the 169th Street Connecting Segment (City of Arlington)
• $1.68 million for the US-2 Trestle (Washington State Department of Transportation); Larsen and Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) partnered to request $840,000 each toward this project
• $1.5 million for South Whidbey-Clinton Area Transportation Infrastructure Improvements (Port of South Whidbey)

Larsen also championed a provision in the bill to ensure medium-sized cities in the Second District like Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Oak Harbor have increased access to federal funding to address their individual infrastructure needs.

Additional Resources

• For a fact sheet on the INVEST in America Act, click here.
• For video of Second District mayors advocating federal investment in infrastructure, click here.
• For Larsen’s district transportation report, click here.